MOUNT VERNON – Public health officials announced that Knox Public Health received its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine this week and will be vaccinating EMS personnel at 1 p.m. on Dec. 23 in the health department conference room, Public Information Officer Pam Palm said.
Last week, the Mount Vernon News reported the first round of the Moderna vaccine was expected. This form of the vaccine does not require ultra-cold storage, Health Commissioner Julie Miller said.
The county may also get some Pfizer/Biotech vaccine later, Miller stated. That vaccine has to be stored in extremely low temperatures.
Health care workers routinely involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, along with staff and patients of long-term care homes and emergency medical services workers will be among the first to receive the vaccine.
"EMS are many times the first to respond to an ill patient with a respiratory issue," Miller said. "We want to make sure they're vaccinated."
EMS workers will help Knox Public Health with vaccinations, she added.
"Once we vaccinate them, they can help us go out into the community and help vaccinate others," Miller said.
