First vaccine shipments for high priority groups, could show up in Gage County next week

BEATRICE – Pending FDA approval of the Moderna vaccine against coronavirus, Gage County first responders and medical personnel could see vaccine available as early as next week.

Gage County Emergency Management Coordinator Lisa Wiegand said Public Health Solutions issued that announcement to local officials this week.

"We've spoken for the vaccine for our first responders, for the sheriff's office and so forth. If we can get the vaccine in, it will be the Moderna product. We're not ready for cold storage, ultra cold storage here in Gage County with the hospital, yet. They will get their equipment, I understand by the middle of January....their ultra-cold. So, the Moderna is being shipped and that is what we are going to have allocated."

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations include two shots….with the Moderna vaccinations spaced apart slightly longer. Gage County Board member John Hill said regardless of which vaccine is given, its important those receiving it also get the second dose.

As for long-term care facilities, who operate by distribution through pharmacy networks....Wiegand notes, "They will be getting the Pfizer product and it could be administered as early as the last week in December....at the latest, probably the first or second week in January. Since they can manage ultra-cold storage, they will be the ones to go into the facility with nurses, and help."

Hill said people should not let down their guard on other steps to protect themselves and others, just because the vaccine is becoming available to high priority groups.

"Now it's more important than ever that people step up their mask wearing and social distancing and precautions they need to be taking, because there is a vaccine, but it ain't going to do any good if you've already had Covid. We need to get the rate cut down until it can get rolled out."

Various studies have been cited by both sides…..those who support and those who oppose the use of a mask during the pandemic.

"Right now, I would say listen to your medical community...UNMC, Bryan Health Care, CHI, BCH are all begging for people to wear their mask. There's just no doubt about it....they work", Hill said.

The City of Beatrice has a mask mandate in place for indoor public places, through January 15th.