Washington County issued the following announcement.
Washington County Public Health and Environment received its first shipment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and began vaccinating certified Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff and community vaccinators Dec. 29.
Washington County is a registered vaccine provider through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Vaccines are being distributed following the priority groups set forth by MDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this initial phase, Washington County is providing vaccinations to individuals who will administer vaccines, and working closely with 14 local police and fire departments to offer vaccinations to certified EMS providers in the county. On the first two days of clinics, 271 individuals were vaccinated, with plans in place for two additional clinic days. Additional plans include administration of the second Moderna dose 28 days following the first dose.
“This is a momentous and historic moment for our community. The vaccine signals a turning point in the fight against COVID-19,” said Lowell Johnson, Director of Washington County Public Health and Environment. “The vaccine is just one tool in our toolbox to address COVID. We must continue to be diligent about washing our hands, wearing masks, and keeping our distance to keep ourselves and our community healthy.”
Staff held a moment of silence to honor those who have lost their lives or who have otherwise been impacted by COVID-19 before beginning to administer the first doses of vaccine. Since the pandemic began, COVID-19 has taken the lives of more than 5,000 Minnesotans, including 187 Washington County residents. The vaccination is one of the most important steps to stopping the spread of COVID-19, and moves the community closer to the end of the pandemic.
Washington County will receive additional allocations of vaccine from MDH each week. Until vaccines are universally available, Washington County urges residents to continue to wear a mask, stay at least six feet away from others, wash hands often, and stay home when sick.
For the latest information about vaccines and availability, see the MDH website.
Original source can be found here.
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