COVID-19 vaccines now available to health care personnel, seniors 80 and older

With the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine now in Putnam County, the Putnam County Health Department has started scheduling vaccines for additional health care workers and seniors in the community.

The vaccine is now available to individuals age 80 and older, as well as to licensed and unlicensed healthcare workers and first responders who have face-to-face interactions with patients or infectious material or work in a public-facing position that requires in-person contact.

A photo ID and proof of age or verification of current employment as a healthcare worker or first responder in Indiana will be required.

The current vaccine available for those eligible in Putnam County is the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. This is a two-dose series, with 28 days between the two doses. Patients must be 18 years or older to receive the Moderna vaccine.

For more information on the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/.

Those eligible for the vaccine may make an appointment starting Friday by calling 2-1-1 from any phone, or visiting https://putnamhealthindiana.org and following the link.

Putnam County Health Department will begin providing vaccinations on Monday, Jan. 11. Walk-ins will not be accepted. All vaccinations must be scheduled.

All vaccinated individuals should continue to wear a mask, social distance, avoid crowds, wash their hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Additionally, everyone should continue to follow quarantine guidance after exposure to COVID-19 and any applicable guidance from their employers.

“Benjamin Franklin said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Putnam County Public Health Officer Dr. Adam Amos said. “This is our chance to prevent not only for ourselves, but also to those around us who might not be able to. When the supply of vaccine allows, I hope we can all join in protecting our family and friends by preparing our immune systems, the most natural defense we have against COVID-19.”

As the state determines the next eligible populations to receive the vaccines, the PCHD will continue to release that information to the public. The PCSD website will remain the source for the most up-to-date information.

PCHD will continue to provide this service until everyone who wants a vaccine has been vaccinated.

Additionally, the Health Department is seeking volunteers to assist in providing vaccines to the public in the future. Visit the website and select the “COVID-19 Volunteer Application” to sign up as a volunteer. Applications may be turned into the Putnam County Health Department at 1542 South Bloomington Street, Suite 1500, Greencastle, IN 46135 in person, via mail, or sent via email to bwilliams@putnamhealthindiana.org

The intent of the Putnam County Health Department is to prevent, promote, and protect the health, safety, and vital records for the people of Putnam County by providing various health and wellness screening services, educational programs, enforcing public health laws, and collecting and accurately recording all vital events occurring in Putnam County.