The Allen County Department of Health issued the following:
Fort Wayne, Indiana (January 8, 2021) – The Allen County Department of Health will join the statewide effort to vaccinate eligible people against COVID-19 starting next week at the Memorial Coliseum.
The vaccine is now available to individuals aged 80 and over, as well as licensed and unlicensed health professionals and first responders who have face-to-face interactions with patients or infectious material or work in a public position that requires personal contact.
“Our department is excited to join the effort to obtain vaccines and move one step closer to the end of this global pandemic,” said health commissioner Dr. Matthew Sutter. “We know that the COVID-19 vaccine is extremely effective in keeping people out of the hospital and preventing serious illnesses, so we encourage all eligible people to make an appointment as soon as possible.”
The Department of Health will open the vaccination clinic at Expo IV at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., Wednesday, January 13. Due to limited supply, the vaccine is available by appointment only to those currently eligible, as determined by the Indiana Department of Health. Appointments must be made in advance at ourhot.in.gov or by calling 2-1-1 daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Walk-in will not be accepted.
“The launch of this COVID-19 vaccine website is the culmination of countless hours of planning and preparation to provide a safe and efficient process for our community,” said department administrator Mindy Waldron. “We know that many are looking forward to the opportunity to be vaccinated and we appreciate the continued patience as we work through each phase announced by the state to protect the most vulnerable among us.”
Family members will be allowed to make appointments on behalf of eligible senior citizens. Those who come to the vaccination site must wear a mask and bring a photo ID, proof of age or proof of current employment as a health worker or rescuer in Indiana, as well as their health insurance card for consultation. There is no cost to the recipient of the vaccine, but an insurance administration fee may be charged.
The Department will supply the Modern vaccine, which requires two doses administered at least 28 days apart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it usually takes a few weeks for the body to develop immunity after the second vaccination. Individuals will be able to schedule their second appointment at the Department’s clinic after receiving the first dose.
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved vaccines under an Emergency Use Authorization (USA), which means that vaccines must be proven to be safe and effective in the same way that all drugs and devices must be. The vaccines were found in tests with 94 to 95% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infections in participants. Side effects are temporary and usually mild, including fatigue, headache, and sometimes fever.
People who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 can still infect others, so even those who have been vaccinated should still wear a mask and be quarantined if they are close to a positive case.
The best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 are:
Keep at least six meters away from people outside your home
Wear a mask in public
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your face with dirty hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home when you’re sick
Cover your cough or sneeze
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces