LINCOLN, Neb. (Press Release) – The COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday and Saturday resulted in approximately 5,000 Lancaster County residents receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of those vaccinated during the two days were residents 75 years and older and their spouses.
“We thank the thousands of residents who dressed warmly and braved the winter weather to be vaccinated during these two days,” said Pat Lopez, director of health. ‘It is encouraging to see that so many members of our community are receiving the vaccine, which provides protection against COVID-19. We hope that the high acceptance of the vaccine will continue as we receive more doses and extend the vaccination to additional priority groups. Lopez thanks the Arena staff, partners and volunteers who worked with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) to make the clinics successful.
LLCHD is now vaccinating individuals in the Phase 1B priority group, which includes individuals aged 65 and over, those aged 18 to 65 with underlying conditions and essential workers.
Other vaccination efforts this week include the following:
- As part of LLCHD’s ongoing partnership with hospital providers, Bryan Health and Lincoln Surgical Hospital offer, by appointment through a number of smaller vaccination clinics, vaccination to people aged 65 and older with serious medical conditions that reduce the risk of serious COVID-19 diseases such as COPD and severe lung disease.
- LLCHD worked with pharmacy partners this week to provide vaccinations to residents of independent living communities.
- Some initial reactions, including adult and child protection services workers, are being vaccinated this week. Utilities are next on the state’s priority list for essential workers, and some received the vaccine this week.
As more vaccine becomes available, other groups of people in phase 1B have the opportunity to be vaccinated.
Lancaster County residents can register to receive the vaccine using the online form at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. Although the vaccine is not yet available to the general public, those who are registered will receive an appointment to be vaccinated as doses become available.
Registration is open to all residents of the province, but LLCHD says those in Phase 1B should register soon. LLCHD will work directly with those designated as essential workers included in Phase 1B and their employers.
Family members and caregivers are encouraged to help those who need help to register. Those who do not have online access or need assistance can call the COVID-19 hotline at 402-441-8006 to register. The form is available in English and Spanish. LLCHD also has interpreters available to help callers who speak other languages.
The simple electronic form contains basic information that can be used to determine when the individual can be vaccinated. The information goes into a secure system and is strictly confidential. As vaccine becomes available, LLCHD will contact people who are registered to make an appointment to be vaccinated.
Residents do not have to register on the Lancaster County website and the state website.
LLCHD and the State Health Department can securely share information as needed. Logging in to both sites will not cause any problems, but it is not necessary.
Vaccinating Lancaster County residents will take time. LLCHD urges the public to be patient and continue to take precautions to protect themselves and others – wear a mask, watch your distance, wash your hands and avoid crowded places, close contact and confined spaces .
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov, call the Department of Health hotline at 402-441-8006 or visit CDC.org/coronavirus.
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