Registration is now open for eligible recipients to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic operated by the St. Joseph County Department of Health.
The vaccine is currently available to individuals age 80 and older, as well as to licensed and unlicensed healthcare workers and first responders who have face-to-face interactions with patients or infectious material or work in a public-facing position that requires in-person contact.
A photo ID, proof of age, or verification of current employment as a healthcare worker or first responder in Indiana will be required.
Due to limited vaccine supply, vaccine is available by appointment ONLY to those currently eligible as determined by the Indiana Department of Health. The full list of eligibility is posted at https://ourshot.in.gov, and appointments can be scheduled at that website beginning Friday, Jan. 8.
Once at the site, click on “find vaccination site” to begin to schedule an appointment. Vaccination is free to the individual, but insurance may be charged an administration fee.
Individuals should bring a photo ID and an insurance card if they have one. If someone does not have access to the internet, they can reach out to 2-1-1 for assistance. Be advised due to high call volume, the wait for 2-1-1- may be long.
Two vaccines, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, are currently available. Each requires two doses administered at least 21 days apart for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days apart for the Moderna vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the second vaccination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the vaccines under an Emergency Use Authorization, meaning the vaccines must be proven safe and effective in the same way that all medications and devices must be. The vaccines have been found in trials to be 94 percent to 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in those who are vaccinated. Side effects are temporary and are generally mild, including fatigue, headache and sometimes fever.
People who have been vaccinated may still be able to infect others, so even those who are vaccinated must continue wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, and quarantining if they are a close contact of a known positive case.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.coronavirus.in.gov and the St. Joseph County Department of Health at www.sjcindiana.com/health.
