Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) will receive their first 250 doses of Moderna vaccine next week thanks to redistribution agreements with our local partners. JCHD will begin implementing their community distribution plan on Wednesday, February 3rd and Thursday, February 4th.
“We are grateful for strong community partnerships which have allowed us to share resources and work together to distribute COVID-19 vaccine to the county,” states Jefferson County Health Department Director, Kelley Vollmar. “The goal of our COVID-19 response is to protect the community and reduce the risk of transmission. In addition to practicing physical distancing, wearing a mask, and hand washing, effective vaccine distribution is the next stage of mitigation efforts.”
Those who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine include those in Phase 1A, Phase 1B Tier 1, and Phase 1B Tier 2. To effectively utilize the limited supply of vaccine, JCHD will open registration first to those eligible in Phase 1A according to the State distribution plan. This phase includes long term care facility residents and staff, patient facing healthcare workers, and EMS/EMT/paramedics. More information about the Missouri distribution plan can be found on their website www.covidvaccine.mo.gov.
Two community clinics are planned for next week by appointment only at the JCHD High Ridge Office.
Jefferson County Health Department- 5684 Missouri PP, High Ridge, MO 63049
Wednesday, February 3, 10am-4:30pm
Thursday, February 4, 12:30pm-7pm
Individuals interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to complete the communications survey at this link, https://hipaa.jotform.com/210126757688060, also provided on the health department website. JCHD will utilize those survey responses by state ordered tier to reach out to residents for appointments. Older adults or those without internet access call the JCHD COVID-19 Vaccine Registration Line at 636-789-8941.
Phase 1A individuals are the first priority for these two clinics due to limited vaccine supply. If appointments are still available, registration will be widened to include Phase 1B Tier 1 and 2 individuals. “We know there are thousands of Jefferson County residents who wish to receive the vaccine. We continue to advocate for direct shipments from the State each week in order to open registration to more individuals,” states Director Vollmar.
Eligible Health Department staff will receive the vaccine in a smaller scale clinic on Tuesday, February 2 which is not open to the public. The staff clinic will serve to vaccinate JCHD staff who are eligible and provide specific task training for community vaccination clinics planned over the next two days.
“We have been preparing for vaccine distribution clinics for months and we are eager to provide another tool for our residents to protect their friends and families from COVID-19,” states Preparedness Coordinator, Jeana Vidacak.