On today’s County’s weekly COVID-19 conference call, recent information concerning the State and County plans for COVID-19 vaccinations was discussed. The following is Chief Steedman’s summary:
The Governor’s Executive Order 315 outlines three priority groups that may receive the 1st distribution of the vaccines. Those groups are:
- Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. CVS and Walgreens are administering the vaccines.
- Health care workers who provide direct patient care, such as hospital workers and Fire/Rescue personnel.
- Persons 65 years of age and older.
No other population groups, such as essential workers or other age groups, are identified in this first go-round of vaccinations. PBC Fire/Rescue maintains closed points of dispensing for all Fire Rescue personnel, meaning that they receive shipments of vaccination doses directly to vaccinate Firefighters, Paramedics, and Law Enforcement. The Department of Health at the State and Federal level is in charge of the vaccinations for other groups.
The County is still receiving guidance on the vaccination plan from the State and Federal government. The County has asked us to be patient as the information is fluid, has changed several times, and a specific timeline cannot be provided as of today. Part of the issue is the timing between the 1st and 2nd doses of the vaccination, depending upon the manufacturer. Also, patients receiving the vaccinations must be monitored for at least 15 minutes in a socially distanced setting after receiving the vaccination.
Beyond the foregoing, information is limited at this time.
The mobile testing unit that has visited the Town twice may be replaced with mobile vaccination units. Plans and logistics arrangements for this are still being worked out. We have asked that the testing site return to Town early in the New Year, but this may not happen.
As you can see, the situation remains fluid. We will keep you all posted as new information becomes available.
