Next phase starts for Preble County COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Starting the week of Jan. 18, Preble County Public Health and Preble County Emergency Management Association will be leading the vaccination efforts for the next eligible groups.

Vaccinations will be by appointment only. Starting today, people 80 years of age and older may register for to be vaccinated through vaccinatepreble.com.

All residents are encouraged to visit preblecountyhealth.org/vaccine, where they can find out when vaccine is available, where clinics will be held and to who it will be available.

In addition, a statewide vaccine provider search is available beginning today at coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine.

Preble County Public Health said in a statement that they will be following the plans outlined by Gov. Mike DeWine for Phase 1B, which include a tiered approached of vaccinating the public based on those who are most at risk as well as our limited COVID-19 vaccine supply.

Preble County is expected to receive both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in the coming weeks, which both require two doses.

“We are hopeful that the supply of COVID-19 vaccine will increase as the weeks move forward,” said Health Commissioner Erik Balster. “Our goal is to be able to offer the vaccine to all Preble County residents who wish to be vaccinated.”

Preble County Emergency Management Association Director, Dave Anderson noted, “we’ve been planning for these types of mass immunization scenarios along with the health department for many years.”

“We are very fortunate to have local volunteer groups to help, including the Preble County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Preble County MRC (Medical Reserve Corps),” he said.

Preble County Public Health is still seeking medical and non-medical volunteers to help with the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The volunteers will work through their Medical Reserve Corps program. If interested in volunteering, please call (937) 472-0087, extension 207, or email suzy@preblecountyhealth.org.

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