Johnson County Phase 2 vaccine distribution expands this week – what you need to know

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As Johnson County enters week two of Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccinations, more residents are eligible to get the vaccine. And some may even get ready for their second dose.

County health officials said last week that around 30,000 Johnson County residents have been vaccinated so far. This total includes vaccines distributed by the county, as well as hospitals and long-term care facilities through the Federal Pharmaceutical Partnership Program.

As the second week of Phase 2 vaccination begins, here are some important things to remember:

Overall, vaccine supply remains limited

• County health officials are still urging residents to be patient as vaccine distribution continues.
• The county says it received an additional 6,825 doses from the state last week.
• Overall, the county has received around 25,000 doses since the start of January. This compares to the roughly 150,000 Johnson counties who may be eligible to get the Phase 2 vaccine.
• “It’s a very, very large group, so we do our best to put everyone in this group first. As we get more doses, we’ll get the vaccine into people’s arms as quickly as possible, ”County Health Director Sanmi Areola, PhD, said last week.

Hospitals start scheduling immunization appointments for people 65 and older

• Two large Johnson County hospitals, AdventHealth and Olathe Medical Center, will begin immunizing this week.
• If you have been a patient in one of these systems for the past three years and are 65 or older, they will contact you as soon as an appointment is available.
• Please do not call AdventHealth or Olathe Medical Center for an appointment, but wait for a notification that a time slot is available.
• Other local hospitals, including HCA, KU and St. Luke’s, have also made contact and made appointments with their patients, with some having already received vaccines last week.

County clinic will continue to focus on people 80 and older

• The county still urges residents aged 80 and over to complete the vaccine interest survey to let them know you want a vaccine.
• This includes seniors living in autonomous communities who have not been offered vaccination clinics under the Pharmacy Partnership Program.
• Once you have completed the interest form, you should receive a follow-up email or phone call explaining how to schedule an appointment for a vaccine.

Some teachers, first responders will also be prioritized this week

• The Children’s Mercy Hospital will distribute 1,900 doses to selected teachers, including special education teachers in public schools and staff at the Kansas School for the Deaf in Olathe.
• These teachers are prioritized because many of them are teaching in person this year due to the learning needs of their students. Other teachers should be notified through their district when their turn to be vaccinated arrives.
• The county will also vaccinate first responders, including police, firefighters and members of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

Second doses are scheduled and administered

• JCDHE says it has contacted 2,500 people to schedule their second dose for some time this week.
• If you received your first dose, you should have received a registration card indicating when you should receive your second dose. (For Pfizer vaccine, the second dose should arrive 21 days later. For Moderna vaccine, it is 28 days later.)
• County health officials say you should plan to get your second dose at same place you received your first dose, either through your primary care provider or at the county clinic.
• If you received your first dose via the county, the JCDHE says it will contact you by phone or email closer to the date of your second dose to schedule an appointment.