COVID-19 vaccinations begin in PR County

Vaccine plan updated

 

January 14, 2021

Public Health Nurse Darlynn Williams receives her first dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, administered by RN Julie Russell. Williams was among the first group of Powder River County healthcare providers to receive the shot, this Tuesday. Williams told us the shot was painless, and she had some mild soreness at the injection site the next morning, similar to a flu shot. (Photo courtesy Morgan Weller)

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Powder River County began this week, with healthcare providers receiving their first dose of the Moderna vaccine this Tuesday and Thursday.

An update to the vaccine schedule came out last week, with Governor Greg Gianforte changing some of the guidelines of who is vaccinated in each phase. The new guidelines include no change to the Phase 1A recipients, that is, frontline healthcare workers. The Phase 1B recipients now include persons aged 70 and older, American Indians, and persons aged 16-69 with high risk medical conditions, such as cancer, heart conditions, severe obesity, or diabetes. Phase 1C includes frontline essential workers, persons aged 60 and older, individuals in congregate care or correctional facilities, and those age 16-59 with elevated risk of COVID-19.

Public Health Nurse Darlynn Williams told us that Powder River Health is due to complete vaccinations of healthcare workers Thursday, and move immediately into Phase 1B.

She wrote in an email "We are compiling a list of those who request the vaccine and then scheduling according to the phase we are in. The county plan mirrors the Governor's new recommendations but the timeline may be different. We are not charging for the vaccine or administration of the vaccine. We currently have a list of 86 folks requesting the vaccine.

I urge those who are interested in the vaccine to call the PRCo Covid Vaccine Hotline at 436-2762 to put their name on the list. The names on the list will then be sorted according to the recently updated priority phases.

We will continue to vaccinate those who qualify for phase 1B while our current vaccine supply lasts.

Be prepared to give your date of birth, any high-risk medical issues you have and your phone number. Vaccine is provided in 10 dose vials for ages 18 and over. The vaccine has stringent storage and temperature requirements. Once a vial is opened it must be used in 6 hours or it will be disposed. For this reason, we can't schedule vaccinations throughout the week. Scheduling will continue for weekly clinics. Please be patient after you have put your name on the list. No walk ins will be accepted. Be prepared to wear a mask and to wait for a minimum of 15 minutes after receiving the injection."

 

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