Mass vaccines expected by spring

With the news flooded with reports of front-line health care workers taking their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine — as well as slightly-less-essential workers like politicians — a big question remains: When will the vaccine be available to the masses?

The Putnam County Health Department shed some light on the subject Monday, announcing that mass vaccine eligibility is expected in the spring to summer of 2021.

PCHD, in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), has activated its long-prepared plan to provide the vaccine to the public at-large.

While the PCHD vaccination plan has been in place for many years, the department has spent the last several months refining and tailoring the plan specifically to COVID-19 vaccines.

ISDH will provide vaccines to PCHD, which will then provide the vaccines to the public directly. A limited supply will be initially available, and PCHD will continue to follow recommendations from the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and IDOH on vaccination eligibility.

Reporting to the Putnam County Commissioners Monday morning, county Health Officer Dr. Robert Heavin noted that delays and shortages can be expected for a while.

“Right now, they shorted us for the first dose,” Heavin said. “The hospital didn’t get half of what they thought they were going to get.”

Despite this, front-line workers are getting their much-needed vaccines, with two Putnam County EMS paramedics noting during the meeting that they have received their initial doses.

Upon becoming eligible for vaccination, patients will schedule their appointment online.

Vaccinations will be completed in the office of the Putnam County Health Department, located at 1542 Bloomington St., Suite 1500, in Greencastle.

Anyone receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will be required to be monitored for a minimum of 15 minutes after vaccination.

Two vaccines are currently approved for emergency use – one from Pfizer and BioNTech and the second from Moderna – and require a second dose for full efficacy.

As with any vaccine, there is always a possibility it can produce side effects. Those concerned if they should or should not receive the vaccination should consult their primary care physician.

“Continue to wear your masks and practice social distancing until the vaccine is available to the general public and everyone has received their second dose,” Heavin said. “I encourage everyone to get their vaccines as soon as they are eligible so we can return to the normal we all miss so much.”

Details are currently limited about exact timelines and on who and when everyone will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Preliminary expectations are that everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to receive one next spring or early summer.

The Putnam County Health Department will continue to provide more information as it becomes available. These details can be found at www.putnamhealthindiana.org.

Additional vaccine information can be found at: www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/.

As a reminder, the Health Department-sponsored COVID-19 drive-through testing site located at the Putnam County Hospital will begin being open a sixth day starting Jan. 4. To schedule a COVID-19 test, visit: https://scheduling.coronavirus.in.gov/Home/LocationSelection.