PCHS winding down COVID-19 vaccinations

Perkins County Health Services has discontinued  administering the first dose of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine to area residents. 

CEO Neil Hilton said they believe that many of the people who wanted the vaccinations have already done so. 

At their final offering of the first Modern dose last week, only 20 people received the shot. 

He said they will administer second doses of the Moderna vaccination to about 60 people May 24, with the final 20 getting their second dose June 6. 

People interested in getting the vaccine can still do so locally at the Colglazier Clinic in Grant. 

Myra Stoney, director of the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department, said clinics and pharmacies in Ogallala and Imperial have the vaccine available. A list can be found at www.swhealth.ne.gov/featured/1.

Hilton said once they complete the upcoming second dose rotation, they will have administered around 2,000 total shots. They have only been disbursing the two-shot Moderna vaccine. 

According to the SWNPHD web site, approximately 910 residents in Perkins County have chosen to be vaccinated. 

Hilton said the estimated population of county residents 18 and older runs around 2,300. That represents about 40% of those eligible to receive the vaccine. 

He said they are still seeing a few positive COVID-19 cases, most likely contracted by community spread. 

As of May 11, 277 cases have been reported in Perkins County. A total of 3,830 cases have been reported in the district.