News Flash

Independent state and federal public health advisory committees have determined that the best way to fight COVID-19 is to start first with vaccinations for those who are at most risk, reaching more people as the vaccine supply increases from January to June.

Wilkes Health will be conducting vaccine clinics for those who are in Phase 1A and Phase 1B. Individuals in Phase 1A are health care workers caring for and working directly with patients with COVID-19, including staff responsible for cleaning and maintenance in those areas. Phase 1A also include health care workers administering vaccine, longterm care staff and residents—people in skilled nursing facilities and in adult, family and group homes.

Vaccinations will be available to groups in the following order:

 Group 1: Anyone 75 years or older, regardless of health status or living situation

 Group 2: Health care workers and frontline essential workers 50 years or older*

 Group 3: Health care workers and frontline essential workers of any age

The CDC defines frontline essential workers as first responders (e.g., firefighters and police officers), correctionsofficers, food and agricultural workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in the education sector (teachers and support staff members) as well aschild care workers

Estimated timeframe for Phase 1B is as follows:

 Week of January 4th open Phase 1B to Group 1 and continue to vaccinate those in Phase 1A

 Week of January 20th open Phase 1B to Group 2 and continue to vaccinate those in previous phases.

 Week of February 8th open Phase 1B to Group 3 and continue to vaccinate those in previous phases.

Our current vaccination schedule is 12/31 from 1:30-4:30 at the Wilkes County Health Department. Wilkes Health will also be hosting clinics January 4th-Januarary 8th at the Wilkes County Health Department from 1:30-4:30 pm. Currently, no appointment is needed at this time. Wilkes Health will be offering a limited number of evening clinic appointments the week of January 4th. Wilkes Health will have 10 vaccination slots available from 5:00-6:30. Please call to make an appointment for an evening hour vaccination.

Our website, wilkeshealth.com, will be updated weekly to reflect vaccination clinic schedules and times.