Clark County Emergency Management Director Discusses County COVID Vaccination Clinics

Monday, January 25th, 2021 -- 3:01 PM

The Clark County Health Department has been working the past few weeks to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to county residents that are eligible.

I spoke with John Ross, Clark County’s Emergency Management Director, and he explained the county’s role in these vaccination clinics in more detail.

Question:  “How frequently does Clark County receive the vaccine and how many doses at a time do they receive?”

John:  “Clark County submits a weekly survey to the Department of Health Services with a request for the estimated numbers of doses they can distribute in one week.  And that’s similar to other health departments throughout the state."

"DHS then makes an allocation to us based on their process and number of available doses.  We are then informed of what our allotment will be for the week and then the vaccine is shipped to us.”

Question:  “Who is currently able to get one?  Who's next in line?”

John:  “Currently, those populations, which are identified in the Department of Health Services guide as being part of Phase 1A, includes front line healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities."

"Along with the following members of Phase 1B, which was recently released, to include firefighters, law enforcement, EMS and those age 65 and older.  The full document showing defined groups is linked on the county website under the vaccine information tab."

"As far as who’s next in line, the new guidance is still pending, but expected in the very near future.  Once that guidance is released, we’ll have a clearer picture of which groups may be included and added to those previously listed.”

Question:  “If people are eligible for the vaccine, how do they get signed up?”

John:  “Those who are eligible and wish to be vaccinated at one of the health department’s clinics should monitor the Clark County website, specifically the vaccine information tab.  Information regarding future clinics and how to register for those clinics is posted there along with information being provided to local media to share as well."

"There are also other opportunities becoming available for people to receive vaccines to include the Marshfield Clinic Health System and their local campuses including the Colby Clinic and MMC in Neillsville along with Sniteman Pharmacy in Neillsville and also the Ascension and Aspirus Health System facilities are coming on board if they aren’t already offering vaccines.”

Question:  “Will Clark County be holding more vaccination clinics as time goes on and more people become eligible?”

John:  “Yes, we are planning for additional clinics and we’ll share the information as it becomes available.”

Question:  “Is Clark County following the guidelines of giving each individual two doses, separately, or are they trying to give as many doses as possible right away?”

John:  “Right now, we’re planning future clinics for administration of 2nd doses to those who received a first dose at one of our previous clinics?”

Question:  “Is the vaccine safe?”

John:  “Based on the information we have seen, we believe it is safe.  As with any vaccine, there is a risk of an allergic reaction.  We have not had any such reactions at our clinics that we are aware of."

"After vaccination at our clinic, we do have the recipients stand by for 15 minutes to monitor for reactions and we do have EMS on standby if there’s a need.”

Question:  “Where can people go to learn more about the vaccine?”

John:  “We highly recommend the Clark County website along with following the Clark County Health Department Facebook page.  We’re working diligently to keep these sources updated with the latest available information.  If people have questions about whether or not to get vaccinated, they should speak with their healthcare provider.”

Question:  “Anything else/final thoughts?”

John:  “This process of getting the vaccine out to all who want to receive it is going to take time.  We are asking for people’s patience and understanding as we work through this very large process."

"There are only so many doses available to us and we are doing our best to get them administered as quickly as we can.  We also ask people to monitor the Clark County website along with the Clark County Health Department Facebook page for updates and, when appropriate, to sign up for vaccination clinic appointments."

"We couldn’t do this without our partners and we appreciate the support of all our partners as we move through the response while continuing to work hard for the people we serve.”

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.