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The COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed throughout the area.
This week, the Washington County Health Department received their first doses while hospitals in Iron County and Madison County also received doses.
âWe are pleased to announce that (Tuesday) we began to vaccinate patient-facing healthcare workers for COVID-19,â the Washington County Health Department announced on Facebook. âWe are so thankful to be able to help protect those dedicated to caring for others. At this time, the vaccine is not available to the general public, but we will announce when it is.â
Iron County Medical Center was able to vaccinate 50 of its employees on Wednesday thanks to SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau providing doses for the rural hospital.
The St. Francois County Health Center will not be getting the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine due to the required ultra-cold storage and handling, according to Nursing Supervisor Linda Ragsdale said.
âWe currently are on calls almost daily with (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services) for updates as to when we will be receiving the vaccine that is not required to be stored at ultra-cold temps,â she said.
She said health care workers and long-term care facilities will be first priority for the vaccine.
On Thursday, a U.S. government advisory panel endorsed widespread use of Pfizerâs vaccine, which needs to be stored at negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit.