On Thursday, December 31, the Moore County Health Department provided its first doses of COVID-19 vaccine to some of Moore County’s frontline healthcare workers. Among the first to receive doses were health department staff, Moore County Public Safety staff, and Moore County Emergency Medical Services staff.
One of the first doses was given to April Grant, a Medical Lab Technician for the health department. “This is a day we have anxiously waited for in public health,” said Grant. “I’m excited about getting the vaccine and I really hope that others will choose to get vaccinated when its available to them.”
So far, the health department has received two initial shipments of COVID-19 vaccine totaling nearly 1,200 doses. The health department will continue vaccinations for individuals in “Phase 1a” of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) phased vaccine distribution plan which includes healthcare workers at high risk for exposure to COVID-19.
Progression through the distribution phases will be dependent on the availability of the vaccine and how quickly each priority group can be vaccinated. Those most at risk from COVID-19 are slated to receive the vaccine first. If you are an employee of or affiliated with one of the designated priority groups, you may be notified by your employer or facility administrator once vaccine is available to you.
As vaccine supply increases and North Carolina progresses through the priority phases for vaccination, groups/persons who are eligible will be notified by way of announcements through state and local media outlets, and www.YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov is updated regularly with information about who can currently get vaccinated. You can also find updates and announcements on the Moore County Health Department website at www.moorecountync.gov/health.
“The vaccine is another tool in our toolbox, so to speak, when it comes to our fight against COVID-19,” says Health Director Robert Wittmann. “We should all keep practicing the 3 W’s—wear a mask, wait six feet apart, and wash your hands while everyone gets their chance to be vaccinated.”
Contributed.
