BEATRICE - Beatrice Community Hospital, in partnership with Public Health Solutions District Health Department, is expanding COVID-19 vaccinations to those age 75 and older.

Any person age 75 and older who wants a COVID vaccination must call the BCH COVID Hotline number at 1-800-859-0240 to schedule an appointment. The hotline will be open this week for calls on Tuesday and Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to noon.

There will be no out-of-pocket expense for anyone getting the COVID vaccination; however, insurance information, including Medicare, will be requested.

COVID vaccinations will be given on Thursday and Friday, only to those with appointments.

Tasha Hesman, BCH Chief Nursing Officer and BCH COVID Task Force Chairwoman says you must call the hotline to schedule an appointment regardless of whether you are on other registration lists.

The age requirements for the vaccine are determined by the State of Nebraska and the district health department.

Hesman said PHS and BCH staff recognize some fear of being missed for a COVID vaccination and they are committed to working together to provide vaccine to everyone in the community who chooses to be vaccinated.