Vaccinations are taking place now

O’NEILL — Area residents who are 75 years old and older can now get the COVID-19 vaccine, North Central District Health Department officiaals said.

NCDHD has just transitioned into Phase1B of the statewide vaccination program to provide COVID-19 vaccine to anyone in this age group.

The first people to receive the vaccine here were in the Phase 1A group consisting of health care workers providing direct patient care and/or are exposed to infectious materials and long-term care facility staff and residents.

Anyone that believes they qualify for Phase 1A but were not vaccinated, should visit the NCDHD webpage and sign up on the Phase1A survey.

Visit the NCDHD website for sign-ups for individuals 75+, businesses in Phases 1B, and a survey for individuals in the general public who can receive a vaccine at a moment’s notice.

For assistance completing the survey, please call the following agencies in your area: Bloomfield Public Library, Creighton Public Library, Eastern Township Library, Lied Lincoln Township Library, Verdigre Public Library, Crofton Senior Center, Osmond General Hospital, Osmond Library, Plainview Library, Plainview Senior Center.

NCDHD recognizes federal partners added the 65 years and older and those with underlying health conditions categories into Phase 1B. NCDHD respectfully requests this population wait until February to sign up on the statewide registry.

NCDHD will notify the public as NCDHD transitions to each phase. The speed of transition depends heavily on vaccine availability.

NCDHD expects to vaccinate people in Phase 1B from now until mid-April. This includes people that are 65 years and older and those with pre-existing conditions, first responders, those in the education sector, and those working with critical infrastructure (i.e. food/agriculture facilities, utilities, transportation, postal workers).

Phase 1C will then take place from mid-April to May. This includes vulnerable populations (disabled, homeless, etc.) and those in congregate settings (incarcerated, colleges/universities, etc.).

This vaccine is expected to be made available to the general public some time in May.

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