COVID-19 vaccinations begin in Big Sandy region

A long line of people waited at the Martin County Health Department Monday morning to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The health department scheduled a three-day vaccine clinic that began Monday morning but had to cancel the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions after it ran out of the vaccine. BSN photo/Lilly Adkins

By TONY FYFFE

BSN Editor

LOUISA — COVID-19 vaccines arrived last week in the Big Sandy region, with health departments in Lawrence, Johnson and Martin counties administering them to qualified individuals. In Lawrence County, Judge-Executive Phillip Carter was the first to receive the Moderna vaccine at the Lawrence County Health Department Dec. 29.“We are vaccinating health department staff, first responders, and non-hospital healthcare workers today and tomorrow,” the health department said in a Dec. 29 Facebook post. “When we complete those vaccinations and as soon as we receive additional supply, we will begin vaccinating K-12 school personnel and people over the age of 70.”The Lawrence County agency stressed that the vaccine supply is limited. “The process takes time and we must schedule very carefully so as not to waste any precious vaccine,” the post said. “I know it is difficult, but please be patient. We will get to each and every one of you!” The Lawrence County Health Department reported Monday morning that it had administered 100 doses of the vaccine to first responders and healthcare workers and “still need to vaccinate approximately 150 people in this phase.” The department said it plans to take appointments for residents 70 and above “but cannot do so at this time as we do not know when we will receive more vaccine.” “Please refrain from calling the health department regarding vaccine appointments and distribution at this time,” the health department said. “It is essential that our phones lines and staff are available to reach positive COVID-19 cases and their contacts in order to slow the spread. We will communicate any new information, including when we will begin taking vaccine appointments, through our Facebook page and other media outlets.” The Johnson County Health Department began Moderna vaccinations Dec. 28 for its staff and first responders. “We will be vaccinating first responders over the next several days and will soon be reaching out to local healthcare facilities to gauge interest and schedule vaccinations,” the agency said in a Dec. 28 Facebook post. “Please be patient and understand this is a process and there are stringent guidelines for storage and handling of the vaccine. This vaccine is different than most others. It is shipped and received in a frozen state and must be thawed and used after opening within a short time frame. This is why planning and scheduling is so important.” The health department noted that due to the limited supply, “there are guidelines on who is to receive the vaccine first.” “It will be a targeted rollout and there are many workers who have expressed interest,” the post said. “Using guidance from the state, we are planning and working with first responders, healthcare workers, dental, and others that fall into this first phase. It will take some time. We are anxious for everyone to receive the vaccine, but we have certain guidelines that must be followed, so please be patient as we navigate this huge undertaking together. We hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!” Also on Dec. 28 in Johnson County, staff and residents of Mountain Manor of Paintsville got their first round of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. CVS pharmacists administered the vaccine at the nursing home, with the second dose to be given in 21 days. The Martin County Health Department opened Monday morning to a long line of people waiting to receive the vaccine on the opening day of a three-day clinic. But the Tuesday and Wednesday sessions were cancelled after the department ran out of vaccine. “When more vaccine arrives we will announce a new clinic time,” the health department said in a Monday morning Facebook post. “We apologize for any inconvenience.” Martin County Health Department director Steve Ward said the agency received 80 doses of the vaccine and had to turn some people away Monday morning. He said he “never dreamed” so many people would show up to be vaccinated. The Floyd County Health Department reported Dec. 30 that it did not receive any COVID-19 vaccine from the state last week but worked with local hospitals and others to try to get phase 1 “folks taken care of.” “This group encompasses any one who provides direct care to others such as medical providers, home health, HOSPICE, ambulance staff, medical transport van drivers, LTC patients/staff, dentists, pharmacists, techs, medical assistance, in patient drug counselors, funeral home staff, and others who provide direct patient in person services,” the agency said Dec. 30. “Please be patient all of our residents 70 and older who are in the next phase. We are not ignoring you and are anxious for all of you who want the vaccine to have it soon.”