Vaccines given in health district hit 1,700

    Vaccines for COVID-19 have reached the 1,700 mark in the SW Nebraska Public Health District (SWNPHD).
    Health Director Myra Stoney said those vaccines have been administered in partnership with six local hospitals located in the nine-county health district.
    Chase County Community Hospital is among that group.
    The majority of these doses were administered to healthcare workers, long term care facilities and assisted living centers, all of which are in Phase 1A of the COVID-19 prioritization list, she said.  
    Second doses will begin this week in some areas of the health district.  
    Stoney noted that allocations of vaccine to southwest Nebraska has slowed as other areas of Nebraska complete Phase 1A.
    “It is expected to be late spring before mass vaccination begins,” she said.
    She reminds area residents that while vaccine supply is limited, basic precautions are the best defense against COVID-19.
    Residents in the district can check the SWNPHD website for a waiting list for Phase 1A and 1B groups in southwest Nebraska at www.swhealth.ne.gov/featured/1.  
    Those without a computer or internet access are encouraged to reach out to a friend or family member for assistance to check online, she added.
    The state’s COVID-19 hotline is also assisting with the sign-up process in this area and is available at 833-998-2275. The hotline is staffed daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.
    Stoney asked the public not to call the McCook office to verify a registration or to be added to the waiting list.
    “Please know that it may be several weeks or even months before you receive a call to schedule your vaccination. We are continuing to schedule as we receive the vaccine,” she added.
    Those interested in registering will need to provide basic information to determine Phase 1 eligibility and will be notified when community vaccination clinics begin in their area.
    This week, the COVID-19 Community Risk Dial continues to follow the State of Nebraska’s risk dial, and remains at the blue level.
    Recommendations include wearing a mask in public, washing hands and surfaces often, and avoiding the 3 C’s: crowded spaces, close contact and confined spaces.

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