A group of Oregon health workers, trapped in the snow, decided to offer coronavirus vaccines to other trapped drivers to avoid wasting their remaining doses of the drug.
As the New York Times reports, Michael Weber, director of public health in Josephine County, Oregon, found himself stranded in the middle of the highway during a snowstorm. He and a group of public health officials were taking doses of the Moderna vaccine to Grants Pass, about 30 miles from the scene.
Realizing that they could be stuck on the road for hours, the group of health professionals decided to offer the vaccine to those who were also trapped around them. Weber told the Times that most drivers laughed and refused the injection because of the unusual nature of the situation. According to Weber, a doctor and an ambulance were present to oversee the administration.
“We had an individual who was so happy that he took off his shirt and got out of the car,” said Weber.
“It was a strange conversation,” added Weber. “Imagine yourself stranded on the side of a road in a snowstorm and someone comes up and says, ‘Hey. Would you like a shot in the arm? ‘”
Six doses of the vaccine were finally administered on the snow-laden road, reports the Times.
“Honestly, once we knew we wouldn’t be back in town in time to use the vaccine, it was just the obvious choice,” said Weber, saying it was “one of the coolest operations”.
“Our number one rule now is that nothing is lost.
The Hill contacted Josephine County Public Health for more details on the story.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 600,000 doses have been distributed to Oregon so far, with more than 325,000 doses administered.