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Murphy – The Cherokee County Health Department has been very fortunate. So far, they’ve been getting a consistent number of vaccines shipped, allowing them to keep appointments made.
In fact, Health Director David Badger said Monday that Tuesday’s shipment would satisfy all appointments through Monday.
“We don’t know from week to week how many we’re going to get,” he said.
Unlike other providers across the country, the health department has not had to cancel appointments due a vaccine shortage. In fact, last week staff got to call some patients and move up their appointments. Appointments for first doses are not being scheduled on Tuesdays, as they are using all doses before the next shipment arrives.
Badger has been told by the state that since they’ve been using up vaccines allocated, the county should continue to receive a consistent supply of vaccines, and could continue scheduling appointments. Badger said the health department has appointments for those in Groups 1 and 2 scheduled through mid-March with about 300 scheduled per week, and they are still seeing demand. He is concerned about what will happen if he only gets 200 vaccines in a shipment one week.
“There is no perfect scenario,” Badger said.
He asked that everyone be patient with those giving vaccines, whether it’s the health department, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital or a local pharmacy.
“These people giving shots have no control on the number of vaccines they’re getting,” Badger said, adding that he’s seen some hostility. “We’re not going to do our community any good if we start fighting over things.”
Impact
Because of the high interest in vaccines, people have not been able to get through on the phone to schedule appointments for other health needs, including COVID-19 testing. In the Jan. 21 report from the state, Cherokee County’s two-week number of cases per capita decreased, while the percent positive increased.
“Our testing was down quite a bit,” Badger said. “I contribute that to people not being able to get through on the phone.”
The health department, which has intentionally not allowed walk-in appointments, is asking everyone to remain patient and continue calling until their call is answered. While it won’t be a perfect solution for everyone, Badger said the health department is looking into rolling out an online appointment tool for COVID vaccinations.
He added that a drop in cases does not mean people can let their guard down.
“Things can quickly escalate up,” Badger said.
Schools
While Hiwassee Dam High School had a high amount of students quarantined last week, there has still not been signs showing spread of the virus in Cherokee County Schools.
Lead nurse Heather Watson said quarantines at the high school were related to one person being around a lot of people. All of those quarantined due to that incident were taken off quarantine over the weekend. As of Monday, the school had only eight students on quarantine with none positive, and no staff on quarantine.
Transportation
Those who need it can get a free ride to get vaccinated.
Cherokee County Transit and other agencies across the state were given funding to help pay for rides to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The agency is receiving a limited amount of funding that may be used to offset the operating costs of transporting people to vaccination sites.
Jennifer West, transit director, said there is no fare changed for passengers traveling to or from vaccination sites in the county.
“This waiver will continue until the funds are depleted,” West said. “At such time, the county will determine whether to continue to waive the fees.”
Badger said people do need to have an appointment for a vaccine before contacting Cherokee County Transit for a ride. His staff has been providing the phone for transit and making people aware of the resource. As far as he knew, no one has taken advantage of it yet.
West said the transit department is prioritizing vaccine trips, which are subject to availability. Requests must be made by 2 p.m. the previous business day. For details, call 837-1789.
Second doses
The health department started administering second doses of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine last week, with 50 people getting their second dose.
“We’ve not experienced any significant reactions so far,” Badger said.
According to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, from Dec. 21 to Jan. 10, there were 2.5 cases per million doses of an allergic reaction to the Moderna vaccine.
“The odds are very good you’re not going to have adverse reactions to it,” Badger said.
He reminded that completing the vaccine series does not mean that a person can stop wearing a mask or discontinue any of the other tools to prevent the spread of the virus. The vaccine lessens the severity of the virus, and someone who has had the vaccine could still transmit the virus to others.
However, Badger added that the vaccine is “only effective when it’s in people’s arms.” Overall, he thinks the health department has been doing a good job and not wasted any vaccines.
“I think it’s going very well,” Badger said. “My staff has done phenomenal.”