JCHD Offering COVID-19 Vaccine To Those 65 and Older

People who have been vaccinated may still be able to infect others, so even those who are vaccinated should continue wearing a mask.

(Madison, Ind.) - The Jefferson County Health Department COVID vaccines are now available to be scheduled by those 65 and older. Vaccines will be administered by appointment only; no walk-ins will be accepted at this time due to the limited supply of vaccines. Appointments can be scheduled beginning Monday, February 1, 2021, by visiting https://ourshot.in.gov For those needing assistance scheduling their appointment please call 211, they can assist you with scheduling an appointment and transportation if needed. There is no cost to the individual, but insurance may be charged an administration fee. Individuals should bring a photo ID and an insurance card if they have one.

The vaccine is now available to the following individuals:

• Indiana residents 65 years of age or older (starting Feb. 1)
• Healthcare workers who live in Indiana, or who can show proof they work in Indiana and have face-to-face interactions with patients or contact with infectious material in a healthcare setting
• First responders who are firefighters, police officers or sheriff’s deputies, Emergency Medical Services, reservists, or correctional officers who live in Indiana, or show proof that they work in Indiana, and who are regularly called to the scene of an emergency to give medical aid. A photo ID, proof of age, or verification of current employment as a healthcare worker or first responder in Indiana will be required.

This does not include anyone outside of the “first responder” definition above. A non-exhaustive list of people who currently DO NOT meet eligibility criteria: 911 dispatchers, other city employees with the local designation of “first responders,” judges, lawyers, prosecutors, bus drivers, snowplow drivers, sanitation workers, volunteers, or clergy who are not actively seeing patients in a hospital or long-term care setting.

A complete list of eligible recipients is also available at https://ourshot.in.gov.

Jefferson County will be administering the Moderna vaccine. The vaccine will require two doses administered 28 days apart. A return appointment will be made for you after receiving your first dose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the second vaccination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the vaccines under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), meaning the vaccines must be proven safe and effective in the same way that all medications and devices must be. The vaccines have been found in trials to be 94 percent to 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in participants. Side effects are temporary and are generally mild, including fatigue, headache, and sometimes fever.

People who have been vaccinated may still be able to infect others, so even those who are vaccinated should continue wearing a mask and quarantining if they are a close contact with a positive case.

The best ways to protect yourself and others are to

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you’re sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

If you have any further questions please feel free to contact the Jefferson County Health Department at 812 273-1942