Portage (OH) EMS Workers Among First in County to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Bob Gaetjens Record-Courier, Kent, Ohio (MCT) Dec. 27—GARRETTSVILLE — The Portage County Health Department administered the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Community EMS workers on Saturday morning in a brief clinic that took place in the EMS company’s garage. About 15 EMTs and paramedics, some from surrounding fire departments, attended the clinic and were in and out in less than 45 minutes. Portage County Health Department Public Information Officer Becky Lehman said Community EMS was the first of a weekend blitz of clinics at EMS facilities and fire departments. “We got 300 vaccines this week, and we’re going to all 22 stations this weekend,” she said. Once fire and EMS personnel have all had the opportunity to get the vaccine, Lehman said the health department would concentrate on congregate living facilities such as those through the county’s developmental disabilities board, the Miller House homeless shelter and other similar locations. She said most, if not all, the county’s long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, are registered with the federal pharmacy program. Those facilities will receive vaccinations from CVS, Walgreen’s and other pharmacies. Lehman said the health department is slated to receive another 300 vaccines this week. Community EMS Paramedic Russell Hockenbrouch was among the first to receive the vaccine, which was administered by Portage Count...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Coronavirus News News Feed COVID-19 Ohio Source Type: news