LINCOLN, Nebraska (press release) – COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday and Saturday resulted in nearly 5,000 Lancaster County residents receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Most of those vaccinated over the two days were residents aged 75 years and older and their spouses.
“We thank the thousands of residents who dressed in warm clothing and faced the winter to get vaccinated during these two days,” said Health Director Pat Lopez. “It is encouraging to see so many members of our community receiving the vaccine, which provides protection against COVID-19. We expect the high acceptance of the vaccine to continue as we receive more doses and expand vaccination to additional priority groups. ”Lopez thanked Arena staff, partners and volunteers who worked with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) to make the clinics a success.
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 diseases 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 are providing vaccines by appointment through some minor vaccine clinics for people 65 and over with serious medical conditions that increase the risk of serious illness COVID-19, such as COPD and severe lung disease.
- LLCHD worked with pharmacy partners to provide vaccines on site to residents of independent living communities this week.
- Some rescuers, including child and adult care workers, are being vaccinated this week. Utility workers 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 will 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, as doses become available, those who are registered will receive an appointment to be vaccinated.
Registration is open to all county residents, 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 registering. Those who do not have online access or who 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 assist callers who speak other languages.
The simple electronic form captures basic information that will be used to help determine when the individual can be vaccinated. The information goes to a secure system and is strictly confidential. As soon as the vaccine becomes available, LLCHD will contact registered people to schedule an appointment to be vaccinated.
Residents do not need to register on the Lancaster County website and the state website.
LLCHD and the state health department can share data securely as needed. Signing up on both sites will not cause any problems, but is not required.
Vaccination of Lancaster County residents will take time. LLCHD recommends that the public be patient and continue to take precautions to protect themselves and others – wear a mask, observe the distance, wash your hands and avoid crowded spaces, close contact and confined spaces.
For more information about the 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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