RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – The Washoe County Health District is in the process of explaining who is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Health officials say confusion over what level the population of 75 and older is falling has led to an increase in calls and emails to the Health District, which deprives the primary duties.
It was also reported that people were arriving at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center unannounced to receive the vaccine that had to be turned away.
Officials remind the public that seniors 75 years and older are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, those 75 and older are now being added to the state of Nevada State’s COVID-19 vaccine playbook, which will be updated soon to account for this change.
Vaccinations for people who are part of the Tier 2 group are expected to start at the end of January.
Washoe County is currently vaccinating those in the Tier 1 group, which includes front-line medical workers, law enforcement and other medical personnel. Once most Tier 1 staff in Washoe County are offered the COVID-19 vaccine, the health district will move to Tier 2.
See the list of current COVID-19 vaccine levels here.
“We appreciate that people are eager and excited to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” said Kevin Dick, District Health Officer of Washoe County. New information is pouring in hourly and we work long hours and weekends to distribute it to more than 470,000 people in Washoe County. We are asking the general public for patience at this time, as we work with local, state and federal partners on this enormous logistical challenge we face. ”
The health district has a list of frequently asked questions on their website. It provided the following answers to other common questions:
How will I be notified when it’s time to get vaccinated?
We work with Tier-1 employers to vaccinate their employees who fall into the Tier-1 category. A large portion of Level 2 will be essential workers, and the priority list of essential workers will be drawn up by the state of Nevada under the direction of the federal government. Employers are given the task of informing employees of how to register for the vaccine and when it will take place. For the rest of Tier 2, the local information center will make the updated information accessible once completed and work with community partners to share the news with as many people in Washoe County as possible. The notification process for individuals aged 75 and over has not yet been completed. Pharmacies are expected to provide vaccinations for some of the Tier 2 workers and individuals aged 75 and over.
Can I sign up to receive an alert when I can get a vaccine?
The local information center will disseminate public information when certain population groups are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We ask that you be patient during this process and check for updates on our website, www.COVID19Washoe.com and with local news outlets.
How will you verify that people who receive the vaccine are eligible?
The COVID-19 vaccine has members of the Nevada National Guard at the entrance to identify individuals and verify their work. People who are not eligible for the vaccine will be rejected.
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