Jackson County to vaccinate first responders Jan. 15

Jackson County’s first responders and front line emergency services staff will receive the first of two Covid-19 vaccinations from 4-8 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 15 at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee.

“This event is geared toward our amazing first responders,” said Melissa McKnight, Deputy Health Director at the Jackson County Department of Public Health. “This  includes our county firefighters, law enforcement, rescue squads, and other first responders.”

McKnight said members of these emergency services departments have pre-registered to indicate that they are coming. Pre-registration was required.

“This will help us plan for the total number of attendees,” McKnight added. “We are anticipating 200.”

Choosing to receive the vaccination was voluntary. Both paid and volunteer first responders were eligible.

This event is made possible due to a partnership between Jackson County Emergency Management, Harris Regional EMS, Glenville Cashiers EMS, the Jackson County Public Health Department, and the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee.

These first responders will follow health recommendations for the vaccine protocol and receive their second Covid 19 vaccination shot in approximately 28 days. The time, date, and location will be announced at a later date.

As part of the ongoing effort to educate North Carolinians about the safety, benefits and importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, NCDHHS launched You have a spot. Take your shot. to provide all North Carolinians with information about COVID-19 vaccine development, testing, safety, side-effects and reactions.

A searchable list of health departments and hospitals administering the vaccination is available on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination website, yourspotyourshot.nc.gov. There is a wait time in many areas. Counties are in various stages as they deal with new COVID-19 cases and vaccinations. To support communities, NCDHHS is partnering with health systems, local health departments and community health centers across the state to host large community vaccine events for people currently eligible to be vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccinations are free of charge, regardless of whether or not people have insurance. However, most doctors cannot provide COVID-19 vaccines in their office at this time. Individuals who are currently eligible and would like to receive the vaccine must make an appointment with their local health department or hospital.

In collaboration with local and statewide media outlets, pooled video footage and photos from recent vaccination clinics, PSAs produced by NCDHHS and other resources are available for publication and broadcast use, and can be downloaded from bit.ly/3rTOcS2.

For more information, visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.