Do You Want The Virus Vaccine? COUNTY EMERGENCY OPERATIONS WORKING TO DELIVER YOUR SHOT

Washington County Health Department, Washington County Ambulance District, Washington County Memorial Hospital, and Great Mines Health Center have unified efforts to plan for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine to Washington County, Missouri healthcare workers, first responders, essential workers, high risk populations (18-65), residents 65 and older. A vaccination communication plan is being developed with Washington County Commissioners, local law enforcement, and healthcare partners to inform residents when they are eligible to receive the vaccine and beginning a scheduling process for quick and easy access to local immunization sites.

The organizations are required to work within the guidelines of the State of Missouri COVID-19 priority distribution plan. The state plan dictates what priority populations are eligible for the vaccine and when vaccinators are allowed to open immunization registrations to the next eligible phase. The state has begun its phased plan for vaccine delivery. The local health organizations are waiting for deliveries to be able to offer vaccinations to the public.

The immunization process started with healthcare workers facing the highest risk of exposure through direct contact with COVID patients then working through lower risk co-workers who have contact with any patients and visitors. Some long-term care facilities throughout the county have received vaccine through a federal partnership.

Washington County Health Department and Great Mines Health Center have been approved as vaccinators and are awaiting their next allocation of vaccine.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will determine when county vaccinators can move to the next phase of eligible recipients. Washington County Health Department and the Emergency Operations Center continue to monitor updates to the state distribution guidelines and will adjust the local plans accordingly. More information on who falls into each phase is available on the state’s website: https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/residents/

Additionally, Washington County Health Department has an information line that can be reached at: 573-438-2164 option 7

The Washington County EOC-IC team has established operational plans that are in place and starting this week with limited vaccine available for distribution. 

This is a collaborative approach to ensure everyone who wants the vaccine will receive the vaccine.

The public is encouraged to pre-register through the Washington County Health Department to get names and phone numbers on the list that is being compiled.

Pre-registration does not guarantee that the vaccine will be given on the next mass vaccination clinic, due to eligibility in the phase and limited quantities of the vaccine.

The Missouri National Guard has begun a vaccination process as well and discussions have included Washington County being a location for a mass vaccination clinic.

Continue to watch for details and get pre-registered to start the process.

Stay safe and healthy and continue all precautionary practices.