RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – REMSA paramedic Christine Barton has her sleeve rolled up and ready to receive the COVID vaccine. Her work puts her at risk of infection, but she also has pre-existing conditions that made her seriously consider whether to get the vaccine or not.
“You know, I think time will tell,” says Barton. “It is a good place to be now because there is extra protection. It’s a relief; knowing that we can return to normal soon, ”she says.
Barton is one of several thousands of frontline employees who received the COVID vaccine in Washoe County. They are all part of the first level – the first in line because their jobs put them at greater risk of hiring COVID.
Although there was a very good response, the health district said it hoped to administer more injections in the past week. That is why they have a full appeal for level one employees to come in and get the vaccine.
“During the weekend, we only had about 20% of a busy day,” said James English of Washoe County Health District. “Now we are starting to fill and we are adding vacancies. Our concern is that we have to implant in the weapons all the vaccine that we receive in a given week in ten days ”, he says.
The Englishman estimates that about 50% of level one workers have been vaccinated. There is a time lag for the exact numbers, as the information needs to be put into a state database. English says the district must prove an 80% vaccination rate before it starts giving vaccines to second-tier workers.
For those at level one who wish to apply for the vaccine, or to find out who qualifies as a level two worker, visit the Washoe County website. In the meantime, the health district is encouraging all frontline workers to take the initiative and not wait for a personal invitation to get the COVID vaccine.
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