02/05/2021
Wyandotte County Seniors Over 85 Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines
Beginning this week, the Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD) has earmarked a portion of vaccines for seniors 85 and older, with highest priority given to the oldest adults in that group. Vaccine supplies are still very limited, and the timeline for getting seniors age 65-84 vaccinated will depend on the available supply.
“We are so happy to be able to start providing vaccines for seniors in our community, while still offering vaccines to critical workers who are at high risk for exposure,” said Juliann Van Liew, Director of the UGPHD. “As we roll out vaccinations for people age 85 and older, we are beginning with our oldest seniors first, such as those who are 95 and older, because they are more vulnerable to serious illness or death from COVID-19. Unfortunately, vaccine supplies are still limited, but we felt it was important that we start vaccinating these folks given the level of risk they face. As we get additional vaccines, we will begin scheduling younger age groups of our seniors.”
What Seniors Need to Do Right Now
It’s critically important for seniors (with help from family or friends if needed) to fill out the UGPHD’s vaccination survey so they can be notified when there are vaccine doses available for them. The survey can be found online at ughealth.info/vaccine, or by going to wycokck.org/COVID-19 and clicking on COVID-19 Vaccines. From there, click on the large button that says “Fill Out the Vaccine Interest Form”. The form is available in both English and Spanish. For those without an internet connection, please call 3-1-1 for assistance in filling out the form.
Once you have filled out the form, you’ll receive updates as to when you are eligible for a vaccine, how to make an appointment, etc.
Who Else is Eligible for Vaccinations Now
At this time, the UGPHD continues vaccinating “high contact critical workers,” including:
• Public safety workers (police, fire department, EMS and Sheriff’s department)
• Workers in K-12 education (teachers, custodians, bus drivers, administrators, etc.)
• Childcare providers (licensed, in-home childcare providers and center childcare providers and their support staff)
• Public transit workers
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Department of Motor Vehicle workers
• Grocery, food service and food processing workers
• The UPGHD strongly encourages employers in these industries to sign up their workers right away, due not only to how essential these services are, but also due to the impact on COVID-19 spread in Wyandotte County
• More than 20% of outbreaks in Wyandotte County have been in grocery, food services, and food processing settings
Employers of these workers must register them using a form available at ughealth.info/vaccine or by going to wycokck.org/COVID-19 and clicking on the COVID-19 Vaccines button. The form can be filled out by employers, organizations, and individuals. Anyone eligible for a vaccine must register first and will be contacted to make an appointment. Van Liew emphasized that people should not go to the UGPHD vaccine facility without an appointment, as walk-in vaccinations are not available.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations in Wyandotte County visit ughealth.info/vaccine, or call 3-1-1. For updates on COVID-19 in Wyandotte County visit wycokck.org/COVID-19.
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