Scheduling now underway for Phase 1b vaccines

While the county does not have vaccinations available at this time, according to CeCe Robinson, community relations director at Ohio County Health Care, as of 4 p.m. Friday those interested in receiving a vaccine in Phase 1b can call to be placed on the schedule when the state allocates additional vaccines for the county.

Those 70 and older, which is Phase 1b, can now schedule an appointment to be vaccinated. Those in the current phase can call 270-215-9082 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

According to Athena Minor, chief nursing and clinical officer at OCH, those calling to schedule an appointment will choose a day of the week and a time to be vaccinated but will not be given a date. Once OCH receives approval and vaccine from the state, patients will be called with a specific date for their appointment.

Robinson said OCH received 700 doses of the Moderna vaccine for Phase 1a, which was for healthcare professionals.

“We have received permission from the state to supplement 1b vaccines out of those 700 if there are no 1a (patients) available to vaccinate,” Robinson said. “Currently all (the vaccines) have been allocated.”

Robinson said those who wish can also get scheduled for a vaccination in surrounding counties as well, as the “end goal is to get everyone vaccinated.”

Judge-Executive David Johnston urges all Ohio Countians to get a vaccine when their phase is available.

“I truly believe the vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic that we are suffering through at this time,” he said. “Please sign up for the vaccine and get it.”

Announcements about the vaccine can also be obtained by calling the number or visiting ochcares.com.

The vaccination hotline is experiencing high call volumes. Volunteers from Ohio County Healthcare,

Ohio County EMS and ComCare ambulance service are answering calls. Callers are welcome to stay on the line until a representative is available.

As of Monday, 130,355 doses of the vaccine have been distributed in the state of Kentucky: 108,816 administered in the state program and 21,539 in the long-term care facilities program. The state program has received 169,350 doses and the LTCF program has gotten 93,600.

Sen. Mitch McConnell announced Monday that Kentucky received nearly $300 million in federal funding for COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution. Of that over $40 million will go toward vaccine distribution.

“Kentucky is on our way to beating this virus with safe and effective vaccines. I’m proud the additional targeted federal relief funding is helping protect Kentucky families,” said McConnell.