bottle production line
February 05, 2021April 30, 2021
0

COVID Vaccine Allocation is Slow – But Moving Forward at Glacial Ridge

As we know, vaccine availability is spread thin, however, progress is being made! Glacial Ridge is hopeful that in the near future we will be allocated vaccines on a consistent basis and look forward to assisting with getting the COVID vaccine to more of the community. We continue to advocate, along with other hospitals and public health, for additional doses to be allocated to this area.

Glacial Ridge hospital and clinics are experiencing a high volume of phone calls inquiring about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, if you are a Glacial Ridge patient, you don’t need to call us to receive a vaccination.

Glacial Ridge has identified approximately 1,000 patients age 65 and older with high-risk health conditions, per the CDC criteria, who are high priority. These patients are being contacted directly as more vaccine becomes available. As Federal and State guidelines determine prioritization for receiving the vaccine, GRHS is currently not creating a waitlist.

Since late-December, Glacial Ridge has vaccinated health care staff, fire departments, law enforcement, and other front-line workers in the area. Approximately 280 of the highest-risk patients 65 + were also randomly selected to receive their first dose of the vaccine when we received doses to give to the community. These patients have received or are receiving their second dose soon. We were notified that more doses were being sent the first week in February so 200 more patients meeting the current CDC and MDH criteria were called and scheduled for the vaccine later that week. While there is currently no guarantee on a timeline for vaccine shipments, GRHS is optimistic.

Even if you are vaccinated, please continue to wait 6 feet apart, wear a face covering, and wash your hands for 20 seconds to help slow the spread of COVID-19, influenza, and other illnesses we normally see in our community this time of year.

For frequently updated information on COVID testing, vaccination, getting care, and more, visit GRHS’ COVID-19 Resource Hub at response.glacialridge.org.