The Allen County Department of Health has issued the following:
Fort Wayne, Ind. (January 8, 2021) – The Allen County Department of Health will participate in the nationwide effort to launch eligible people against COVID-19, next week at the Memorial Coliseum.
The vaccine is now available to individuals 80 years of age and older, as well as licensed and unlicensed health professionals and first responders who have face-to-face interaction with patients or infectious materials or work in a public position that requires personal attention. Contact.
“Our department is excited to take part in the efforts to get shots in the arms and come a step closer to the end of this global pandemic,” said Dr. Matthew Sutter, health commissioner, said. “We know that the COVID-19 vaccine is extremely effective in keeping people out of the hospital and preventing serious illnesses. Therefore, we encourage every suitable person to make an appointment as soon as possible.”
The Department of Health will open the vaccination clinic in Expo IV at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Wednesday, January 13th. Due to a limited supply, vaccine is available by appointment only for those currently eligible as determined by the Indiana Department of Health. Appointments must be made in advance at ourshot.in.gov or by calling 2-1-1 daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. No walk-in will be accepted.
“The launch of this COVID-19 vaccine is the culmination of countless hours of planning and preparation to provide a safe and effective process for our community,” said Mindy Waldron, departmental administrator. “We know that many people are concerned about the opportunity to be vaccinated and they appreciate the continued patience as we work through every phase announced by the state to protect the vulnerable among us.”
Family members will be allowed to make appointments on behalf of competent seniors. Those who come to the vaccination site must wear a mask and bring a photo ID, proof of age or a verification of their current job as a health worker or first responder in Indiana, as well as their health insurance card after their appointment. The vaccine does not receive any costs, but an administration fee may be charged from the insurance.
The department will provide the Moderna vaccine, which requires two doses administered at least 28 days apart. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, it usually takes a few weeks for the body to build up immunity after the second vaccination. Individuals can book their second appointment at the department’s clinic upon receipt of the first dose.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the vaccines under an emergency permit (EUA), which means the vaccines must be safe and effective, just like all medicines and devices. The vaccines have been found to be 94 to 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in participants. Side effects are temporary and are usually mild, including fatigue, headaches and sometimes fever.
People who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 may still be able to infect humans, so even those who are vaccinated should continue to wear a mask and be quarantined if they have close contact with a positive cause.
The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to:
Keep people outside your household at least six meters apart
Wear a mask in public
Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with sick people
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze
Clean and disinfect frequently affected objects and surfaces