Unified effort to distribute Covid-19 vaccines in Jefferson County

(Hillsboro) Several different agencies in Jefferson County will be working together to distribute the Covid-19 vaccine…..once they are available to the public. Mercy Hospital Jefferson, Comtrea, and the Jefferson County Health Department have joined in a unified effort for the distribution of the vaccine to county residents. Mercy Jefferson has already begun vaccinating their staff members according to Director of Pharmacy, William Kennon.

The process to vaccinate those in the 1A group continues which includes….healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents and staff. The 1B category will include high-risk individuals, those age 65 and above, first responders, and certain essential workers. Kennon says more health care workers are or will be getting the vaccine.

Comtrea CEO Sue Curfman says the stress on the public is certainly high, but continue being careful and patient as things will change soon.

Health Department Director Kelley Vollmar says don’t let your guard down just yet.

Current planning includes developing a communications plan to inform residents when they are eligible to receive the vaccine and developing a registration system for quick and easy access to local immunization sites. Certain Mercy Jefferson, Health Department, and Comtrea facilities will become immunization locations. It’s also believed some Walgreens and CVS locations could become immunization locations as well, but that has not been confirmed.