Phase 1B Vaccinations Will Begin in Effingham County Later This Week

Print

Published on January 18 2021 2:30 pm
Last Updated on January 18 2021 2:30 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Don't call...but the Effingham County Health Department is getting ready to start giving the COVID-19 vaccine shots later this week.

We say, "Don't call" because that is not how you'll make an appointment to get a vaccination.

The Health Department's Karen Feldkamp said they've gotten a head start on some Phase 1B vaccinations...first responders got their vaccinations on Saturday. Teachers got their vaccinations on Monday. Feldkamp said there was no school on Monday, and that's why teachers were vaccinated that day.

Later this week, vaccinations will be given to those Effingham County residents 75 and older. Next week, vaccinations will be given to those 65 and older. Feldkamp said the initial plan from the State was for those 75 and older to get their vaccinations first, but Governor Pritzker later changed the schedule to those 65 and older. She said since so many county residents fall in those demographics, the decision was to start with 75 and older, then open it up to 65 and older next week. The other factor was that the County doesn't get as much vaccine on a weekly basis.

Appointments will be taken from those who want to be vaccinated. Feldkamp said that's because they don't want people randomly showing up and waiting, and then not getting a vaccination.

The Health Department will put appointment information on their website and on their Facebook page. Again, please don't call the Health Department. Also, we will have the vaccination information on our website and Facebook page once the information is available.

Feldkamp said once the process begins, the Health Department will be doing vaccination clinics weekly as long as vaccine is available. She said some weeks, it'll be just for those getting their first shot, some weeks it'll be just for those getting their second shot. There's a 28-day waiting period between getting your first shot and your second shot. The Health Department will be administering the Moderna vaccine.

Feldkamp reminds that there will be no charge for the COVID vaccination, but you're asked to take along your insurance card to cover the administration fee. If you don't have insurance, you will not be turned away.

Feldkamp also reminds that the Health Department has no control over the amount of vaccine they receive.

Once again, don't phone the Health Department to make an appointment, since that isn't how the appointments will be made, and they aren't ready with the appointment information online. We will let you know on the radio and online when it's time to make an appointment.

Here's Greg's interview with Karen Feldkamp of the Effingham County Health Department about COVID-19 vaccinations, expected to begin later this week...