As word spread around the county that pharmacies may have available vaccines for citizens wanting to be vaccinated against COVID-19, Coos Heath and Wellness officials say they have been notified they will be getting 500 doses next week earmarked for the senior population. Doctor Eric Gleason says those will be available for the elderly population. The number of vaccine doses coming into the county is small compared to the number of people eligible. As of Thursday, more than 1600 elderly who are now qualified to receive the vaccine under the State’s Vaccine Sequencing had registered to be notified when the vaccine is available. However, public health officials say there are many more. Accommodations must be made to ensure enough vaccine is available for the second shot when it is due if someone receives the first shot.
Gleason encourages families and friends to help older individuals get registered on the county’s website, so they can be notified when the vaccine is available. That registration is at www.cooshealthandwellness.org. Once registered, individuals will be notified when the vaccine arrives and an opening is available to receive the vaccine. Registering also allows CHW to contact the next person in line if someone is unable to attend a vaccination clinic. The elderly in the 80 and older group began receiving vaccinations statewide including some in Coos County. The age group 75 and older will be eligible on the 15th.