Powder River Examiner -

By Powder River County Public Health Officer Sean Hill

CVS came to Powder River Manor to provide COVID vaccine for residents and staff on Friday, January 15, 2021. This was the first of three visits to provide vaccines. Each subsequent visit will be 21 days after the previous. On the 15th, a total of 21 patients and staff were vaccinated, with none reporting any significant side effects. Personally, my arm felt like having received a tetanus shot (soreness) and I was unusually tired for about 12 hours post vaccination.

Until researchers can examine how vaccination will affect the spread and transmission of COVID, and a larger portion of the population receives that vaccine, all restrictions and guidelines must still be followed to protect one another. Please keep in mind the best estimate is that approximately 70% of the population will need to be vaccinated before we see a substantial benefit. The vaccine was also developed to decrease the effects of the virus, not to completely eradicate, so we must still be cautious of our susceptible populations. We still need to follow the big 3 of social distancing, hand hygiene and mask use while we push to get as many vaccinated as possible.

Public Health is currently vaccinating stage 1B of the governor's plan, so if people fall within those requirements and wish to receive the vaccine, please contact Powder River Public Health at 406-436-2762 and leave a message.