RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – The Washoe County Health District is clarifying who is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Health officials say the confusion over what level the 75-year-old or older population falls into has led to an increase in calls and emails to the Health District, which lessens primary obligations.
There were also reports of people who attended the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center without warning to receive the vaccine that had to be rejected.
Authorities are reminding the public that elderly people aged 75 and over are still not eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, those 75 and older are now being added to the Nevada State COVID-19 Vaccine Manual Level 2 group, which will be updated to take account of this change soon.
Vaccinations for people who are part of the Tier-2 group are due to start in late January.
Washoe County is vaccinating people in the Tier-1 group, which includes frontline medical workers, police officers and other medical professionals. Once the COVID-19 vaccine is offered to most Level 1 staff in Washoe County, the Health District will transition to Level 2.
See the list of current levels of the COVID-19 vaccine here.
“We thank people who are anxious and excited to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible,” said Kevin Dick, Washoe County District Health Director. “New information is flowing to us hourly and we are working long hours and weekends to be able to distribute it to more than 470,000 people in Washoe County. We ask the general public for patience right now, while working with local, state and federal partners on this huge logistical challenge that lies ahead. “
The Health District has a list of Frequently Asked Questions on its website. He provided answers to other common questions, as follows:
How will I be notified when it is my time to be vaccinated?
We are working with Tier-1 employers to vaccinate their employees who fall into the Tier-1 category. A large part of Level 2 will be essential workers, and the list of priorities for these essential workers will be developed by the State of Nevada with the guidance of the federal government. Employers will be tasked with notifying employees how to apply for the vaccine and when it will occur. For the rest at Level 2, the Regional Information Center will make this updated information accessible to the public when it is finalized and will work with community partners to share the news with as many people as possible in Washoe County. The notification process for individuals aged 75 and over has not yet been completed. Pharmacies are expected to provide vaccines for some Level 2 workers and individuals aged 75 and over.
Can I sign up for an alert when I can get a vaccine?
The Regional Information Center will distribute 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 in the local media.
How will you verify that the people receiving the vaccine are eligible?
The COVID-19 vaccine site has members of the Nevada National Guard at the entrance to verify personal identification and verify employment. People who are not eligible for the vaccine will be rejected.
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