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On Thursday, the Stanly County Health Department began administering the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible healthcare workers.
Patti Lewis, a nurse practitioner in the Stanly County Department of Health, was the first to receive the vaccine.
“I think it’s essential to get this vaccine because we’ve had so many deaths from COVID,” Lewis said. “We have so many ICUs that are overwhelmed and it really puts a strain on everyone. This is a big step forward to help reduce this. “
“Planning and logistics are crucial in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Director of Health and Human Services David Jenkins. “Each vial of Moderna vaccine contains 10 doses and we need to coordinate the planning of 10 eligible people to receive it at our drive-thru site. Once we open the seal on the vial, we only have six hours to administer it before it expires and [we] don’t want us to lose any. “
The Stanly County Department of Health will continue to administer the COVID-19 vaccine over the coming weeks and months. The current focus is on vaccinating workers who fall under phase 1a as designated by the state.
Groups will be vaccinated in the following phases determined by state guidelines:
• Phase 1a: healthcare workers battling COVID-19 and long-term care staff and residents;
• Phase 1b: adults 75 years of age or older and essential frontline workers;
• Phase 2: Adults at high risk of exposure and at increased risk of serious illness;
• Phase 3: students;
Phase 4: All those who want a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination.
The Stanly County Department of Health will notify the public when the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available during each phase. You have a place to take your photo.
You can stop the virus from spreading by following the three W’s:
● Wear a cloth face covering.
● Wait 6 feet from each other. Avoid close contact.
● Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
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