On Monday, the number of Panhandle residents who have received the COVID-19 vaccine reached 9,373, as Panhandle Public Health District updates the vaccination timeline to match the state’s timeline.
Vaccinations, COVID-19 Unified Command officials noted, were affected by the winter storm conditions throughout the nation last week, noting that Moderna vaccines were not shipped on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Officials noted they expected further delays due to the weather.
“We are anxious to see how many more people will get their COVID vaccine this week with last week’s winter weather putting a damper on clinics and appointments. Thankfully, there are incredibly committed community vaccine providers working hard to get vaccines in arms,” said Kim Engel, Panhandle Public Health District Director in a press release Monday.
Officials released an updated vaccination timeline, noting it was still tentative. The newly released timeline shows the possibility of the vaccine being available to general population members ages 50-64 in April, with the availability being expanded to the rest of the general population in May.
All Panhandle residents over the age of 18 are encouraged to register for the vaccine at vaccinate.ne.gov. Those who have already registered are not required to register again. People requiring assistance with registration are asked to contact 833-998-2275 or 531-249-1873.
On Monday, officials also announced two more deaths in the Panhandle related to COVID-19: a Sheridan County woman in her 80s and a Deuel County man in his 80s.
“We share peace and comfort with the friends and loved ones in the loss of our fellow Panhandle residents,” Engel said in the press release.