Changes For COVID Vaccinations
By Bonita Wilborn
With the growing number of people that are eager to take the coronavirus vaccination, with the hope of ending the madness that has been present in our society for the past year, the Public Health Department has made the decision to team up with the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency to better serve the community. So they have devised a plan to run the upcoming coronavirus vaccinations somewhat differently than was done during the January vaccination.
To avoid the long lines, creating traffic problems, and the hours of waiting for those who found themselves at the end of that very long line. For the upcoming vaccination events, March 1, March 8, and March 15, you must have a pre-scheduled appointment to get a vaccination. Appointments for the vaccination can be made online or by calling the DeKalb County Health Department. The vaccinations will be given in a drive-thru manner.
According to the current schedule, on Monday, March 1 and again on Monday, March 8, vaccinations will be given at the Northeast Alabama Agri-Business Center in Rainsville. Then on Monday, March 15, vaccinations will be given at the VFW Fair Grounds Fort Payne. Although the vaccinations are drive-thru, they are appointment only.
This change applies to those who are taking their first round of the vaccination. Anyone who had their first round shot at the drive-thru clinic that took place at the Agri-Business Center in January will get their second shot on Tuesday, March 2, at the Agri-Business Center. The March 2 clinic is first come, first served, but only for those who got their first shot at the clinic in January.
According to the DeKalb County EMA, volunteers are needed to help with upcoming vaccination clinics. Positions will be determined based on needs at the time of a clinic.
DeKalb County Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director, Michael Posey, stated, “We need volunteer runners, phone answerers, greeters, licensed medical personnel, traffic control, and monitors.”
A Google docs form has been set up for submitting information and asks about any medical license status, including checkboxes for physicians, physician’s assistants, dentists, veterinarians, registered nurses, practical nurses, paramedics, advanced EMTs, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and health profession students. Retirees from these professions are also sought. The form also requires volunteers to state how many hours they can contribute.
The form can be viewed and completed at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEoSPp8BePQhxjKBKf8MLq4jOxymWCAJiNqS-A2nmL_t47zQ/viewform.