Hospital gets 200 vaccine doses

Perkins County Community Hospital received their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine Monday, Dec. 28, according to PC Health Services CEO Neil Hilton. 

Hilton said the hospital received 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine. Dr. Cliff Colglazier was the first health professional to receive the vaccine. 

As of Monday, Hilton said they have administered 100 doses of the vaccine to members of the hospital and clinic staff. 

He said they will be having another round of vaccinations for staff Wednesday and Friday, with a “last call” session on Monday, Jan. 11.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services coordinates the vaccination process for Golden Ours Convalescent Home and Park Ridge Assisted Living.

It appears they will receive their vaccinations next week sometime, Hilton said. They will be receiving the Pfizer vaccine. 

Hilton said he’s been pleased with the reception to the vaccine from staff members. 

Public vaccinations?

When the vaccine will become available to the general public still remains uncertain, Hilton said.

It’s not likely until at least the March or April time frame, based what he’s heard from news account, DHHS and the governor’s office. 

“At this point, who knows,” Hilton said.

COVID admissions

Hilton said COVID-19 admissions at the hospital slowed somewhat during December. 

The hospital admitted nine in December compared to 14 in November and seven in October. 

One difference they did see in December was a longer length of stay for patients. 

Until December, the longest length of stay was eight days. 

Two of the patients in December required an 11-day stay before dismissal while two others had stays of nine days. 

COVID-19 and 2020

The year that was—2020—will be remembered for a lot of things, both locally and nationally. 

Even a presidential election that is still being contested in 2021 can’t overshadow the tremendous impact the COVID-19 pandemic made on our country and the world.

It stands alone as the top news story of 2020. 

While COVID-19 garnered nationwide coverage in February, it wasn’t until mid-March that it hit home.

That’s when state and local school officials determined it schools should close.

It wasn’t until this fall that school re-opened for in-person classes.

Perkins County’s first case occurred in July but it was the spread of the virus in the local nursing home and assisted living facilities that really hit home. 

COVID-19 claimed the lives of eight residents and brought to reality just how deadly the virus could be to certain populations. 

The pandemic likely played a major role in the presidential election in which former vice-president Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump. 

Trump fast-tracked vaccine development and made good on his promise that vaccines would be available by year’s end.