Jefferson Healthcare announced Monday that it will now be offering COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 80 years old and older.
Last week the hospital district said it would be coordinating with other distributors to vaccinate people 85 years old and older. This week’s expansion follows a recommendation from state officials that Jefferson Healthcare administer first doses quickly and efficiently without reserving second doses. Original plans allowed for second doses to be reserved due to supply fluctuations but those second shots will have to come in subsequent shipments.
Individuals over 80 years old who are unable to access Jefferson Healthcare's website to schedule an appointment can call Jefferson County Emergency Management at 360-344-9791 to schedule.
The group of people who can receive vaccinations was expanded to include those who face a greater risk of getting the coronavirus.
“It’s the 80-plus crowd that becomes our most vulnerable," said Dr. Joe Mattern, chief medical officer for Jefferson Healthcare.
"They are the ones who are most likely to be hospitalized and more likely to die from the disease,” he said. “Keeping our hospital from being overwhelmed by COVID makes it easier to deliver high quality care for all the non-COVID diseases we still have to treat like heart failure and broken hips.”
Patients who are eligible for vaccination under the 1a criteria remain eligible to receive immunization and can email vaccineresponse@jeffersonhealthcare.org.
People receiving a vaccination through Jefferson Healthcare should bring the following to their appointments:
• A state-issued ID that shows age and residence in Jefferson County;
• Insurance information, if applicable; and
• A completed patient acknowledgment form (available at jeffersonhealthcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Adult-COVID-19-Vaccine-Patient-Acknowledgment-and-Administration-Record-Pfizer-BioNTech.pdf).
Recipients in the 1a group should also bring an employee badge or healthcare employment identifier.
Those receiving a vaccine should also review the V-Safe Information Sheet (https://jeffersonhealthcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/V-Safe-Information-Sheet.pdf)and the EUA Fact Sheet (https://jeffersonhealthcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Pfizer-BioNTech-COVID-19-Vaccine-EUA-Fact-Sheet-for-Recipients.pdf) prior to arrival.
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MargeS
" Inslee sets goal of 45,000 COVID-19 vaccinations a day in Washington state and makes everyone 65 and older eligible now
Jan. 18, 2021 at 3:10 pm Updated Jan. 18, 2021 at 4:42 pm "
Seattle Times
Sounds like a good plan.
Monday, January 18, 2021 Report this
Dage Corvish
We have to do the best with the amount we receive. At 45,000 per day, it would take almost six months for every one in our state to get a shot -- except it requires two shots. We would be looking at a year at that rate. Of course, we also have numerous contrarians allergic to science and good sense, so maybe nine months, if the vaccines are available and the mutations don't negate their value.
Masks and social distancing are not going away any time soon.
Patience and perseverance neighbors.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 Report this
MargeS
I actually know of people who have gotten the covid shot. The amount available will increase, we now have a government who wants to make sure Americans are safe. Be optimistic.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 Report this
TomT
According to Dr. Locke at BoCC Tues, Jan 19:
WA state has been told by DC that our state will receive only 100,000 doses per week (either Pfizer or ModeRNA).
and
No new vaccine (brands) are expected to get EUA from FDA until at least April.
"Goals" are great, but if you don't have the supplies they are meaningless.
Do the arithmetic.
100,000 doses per week @ 2 doses per person = 50,000 people per week
At that rate, 7,000,000 people in WA = 140 weeks = 3 years to fully vaccinate entire state, and we still have no idea how long the vaccine lasts.
If it requires annual boost (like flu), we will never catch up with the spread.
Major increases in production, distribution, and vaccination are needed before this virus mutates into something that is immune to the current vaccines.
Thursday, January 21, 2021 Report this
Dage Corvish
As of 1/21, according to JeffersonHealthcare.org, they are down to 75 and older.
Thursday, January 21, 2021 Report this
Dage Corvish
1/21 Addendum
They're (JHC) not taking appointments until they get more vaccine.
Thursday, January 21, 2021 Report this