First vaccine allotment distributed

The first 200 doses of COVID-19 vaccines received by Perkins County Health Services have all been administered, according to CEO Neil Hilton. 

PCHS received 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine Monday, Dec. 28.

He said about half of the doses were used for PCHS employees and medical staff. 

The balance was administered to others according to the priority tiers set out by the state and health districts. 

He said they are still awaiting word on when residents in the care facilities will have vaccines available. 

The state has contracted with a company to administer the vaccine in 65 long-term facilities across the state. 

He said they will be in direct contact with families as soon as local plans are determined. 

Rollout plan for SWNPHD

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) is following the rollout plan for COVID vaccinations as directed by Nebraska’s governor and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The rollout plan is divided into phases. The first phase has three sections called 1A, 1B, and 1C.  

Phase 1A is for healthcare occupations in hospitals, clinics, home health, pharmacies, emergency medical services, dentists, optometrists, behavioral health, veterinarians, and long-term care facility residents and staff.

Phase 1B tiers are for the most elderly and essential occupations.

• Tier 1: 75 years of age and older; 

• Tier 2: first responders, utilities, corrections, and education; 

• Tier 3: Funeral homes, grocery employees, and food/agriculture production such as meat packing plants, food processing and co-ops; and 

• Tier 4: Transportation occupations, US Postal Service, and public transit.

Phase 1C is for other high-risk categories: people ages 65 to 74, people with high-risk medical conditions, vulnerable populations and group living settings like colleges and universities.

Phase 2 will be for the general population and is estimated to happen from May to October.