Ripley County Health Department Launches Vaccine Clinic

Due to limited supply, the vaccine is available by appointment only to those currently eligible as determined by the Indiana Department of Health.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - The Ripley County Health Department is now scheduling appointments to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible recipients. 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, proof of age, or verification of current employment as a healthcare worker or first responder in Indiana will be required.

“Your County Health Department is working on your behalf to combat this Pandemic. To help the community RCHD has facilitated testing and now will open clinics for vaccine distribution. The vaccine is another valuable tool to defeat COVID-19. The RCHD hopes many take advantage of this resource. I have received mine and encourage others to do likewise.” – Dr. David Welsh, your Ripley County Health Officer.

Due to limited supply, the vaccine is available by appointment only to those currently eligible as determined by the Indiana Department of Health. That complete list is posted to https://ourshot.in.gov, and appointments can also be scheduled at that website beginning Friday, Jan. 8. There is no cost to the individual, but insurance may be charged an administration fee. Individuals should bring a photo ID and an insurance card if they have one.

Two vaccines, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, are currently available. Each requires two doses administered at least 21 days apart for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days apart for the Moderna vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the second vaccination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the vaccines under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), meaning the vaccines must be proven safe and effective in the same way that all medications and devices must be. The vaccines have been found in trials to be 94 percent to 95 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in participants. Side effects are temporary and are generally mild, including fatigue, headache, and sometimes fever.

People who have been vaccinated may still be able to infect others, so even those who are vaccinated should continue wearing a mask and quarantining if they are in close contact with a positive case. The best ways to protect yourself and others are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you’re sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces