Kosciusko County Health Department Launches Vaccine Clinic
Kosciusko County Health Department Launches Vaccine Clinic
Posted
Staff Report-
Kosciusko County Health Department Launches Vaccine ClinicKosciusko County Health Department is scheduling appointments to administer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible recipients.
The vaccine is available to individuals age 80 and older, as well as to licensed and unlicensed healthcare workers and first responders who have face-to-face interactions with patients or infectious material or work in a public-facing position that requires in-person contact. A photo ID, proof of age or verification of current employment as a healthcare worker or first responder in Indiana will be required, according to a news release from the KCHD.
Vaccinations will be given at the K21 Health Services Pavilion, 1515 Provident Drive, Warsaw, on the KCH campus. Vaccinations will begin Monday, Jan. 11.
All qualified vaccine recipients may register beginning Friday, Jan. 8 at 9 a.m. You may register by calling 2-1-1 or by visiting www.ourshot.in.gov.
Due to limited supply, vaccine is available by appointment only to those currently eligible as determined by the Indiana Department of Health. That complete list is posted at https://ourshot.in.gov, and appointments can also be scheduled at that website beginning Friday, Jan. 8. There is no cost to the individual, but insurance may be charged an administration fee. Individuals should bring a photo ID and an insurance card if they have one.
Two vaccines, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, are available. Each requires two doses, administered at least 21 days apart for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days apart for the Moderna vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the second vaccination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the vaccines under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), meaning the vaccines must be proven safe and effective in the same way that all medications and devices must be. The vaccines have been found in trials to be 94% to 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in participants. Side effects are temporary and are generally mild, including fatigue, headache and sometimes fever, according to the news release. People who have been vaccinated may still be able to infect others, so even those who are vaccinated should continue wearing a mask and quarantining if they are a close contact of a positive case.
The best ways to protect yourself and others are to:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
