Health officials in Nevada on Wednesday declined to say whether they were considering lowering Clark County’s plea for the age of vaccinations to 55.
Instead, they encouraged the public to ensure that people in the age group of 65 to 69 know that they are eligible for vaccination and how they can plan an appointment.
“We need your help in letting Nevadans, who is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination, know,” said COVID-19 Response Director Caleb Cage. “Help a friend, neighbor or parent or loved one make contact with the vaccine in their area.”
Thousands of vaccine appointments in Clark County are unfinished, said Dr. Fermin Leguen, head of the health district in the southern part of Nevada, said this week.
The health district on Wednesday published a reminder that eligible workers have been expanded to transport workers, grocery stores and retailers. Major work groups include anyone 16 years of age or older.
The health district has asked state officials to lower the minimum age for vaccination for the general public from 65 to 55. That would add about 270,000 provincial residents, according to the estimated 2019 census bureau.
The Nevada vaccination book does not have a predetermined group for people in the 55-64 age group. Instead, the next group from the general public is Nevada dancing from 16 to 64 years with underlying conditions, disabilities or homelessness.
Cage said Wednesday the state has been in contact with Clark County officials but does not yet have enough information to take any action.
“The biggest challenge was and will remain, I think, managing all the complexities within a very complex process,” he said.
He suggested that the state investigate ways to help provinces spread the vaccinations for vaccine and to keep vaccination rooms open longer.
“We look forward to giving you all an update on concrete solutions agreed upon,” he said.
Leguen could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
According to Cage in Nevada, 70 to 80 percent of an eligible group must be vaccinated. About 63 percent of people 65 and older are vaccinated.
Officials encouraged the public to visit NVcovidfighter.org to find information on vaccine admission and to register for an appointment. Appointments can also be made telephonically by calling 800-401-0946 between 08:00 and 20:00.
Contact Michael Scott Davidson at [email protected] or 702-477-3861. Follow @davidsonlvrj on Twitter. Contact Mary Hynes at [email protected] or 702-383-0336. Follow @ MaryHynes1 on Twitter.