12/23/2020 - Knox Public Health received it’s first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday afternoon and began vaccinating individuals within 24 hours. Among those first in line were local Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers who are in the first priority group which includes essential healthcare workers and personnel caring for COVID-19 patients. KPH nurses and medical staff who are administering the vaccine also received shots on Wednesday.

The first shipment was comprised of 100 doses of vaccine from Moderna, one of two manufacturers whose COVID-19 vaccine has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Moderna vaccine requires two doses with the second dose given 28 days later. When an individual receives the first dose, they are given a card documenting the first dose, including the manufacturer and lot number. The card also indicates a date for when the second dose should be administered. KPH will be responsible for administering the second dose.

The Moderna vaccine as well as the other COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer, have been shown to prevent COVID-19 and to decrease the severity of illness in people who catch the virus that causes the disease. Public Health officials indicate that vaccinating a significant portion of Ohioans will help prevent serious hospitalizations and deaths and allow communities to more quickly return to a normal lifestyle.

KPH expects to receive additional vaccine shipments beginning next week. Up next for vaccinations are congregate care facilities such as group home residents and staff; non-KCH Medical providers, especially those doing COVID testing at their facilities; and home health staff. The vaccine is not mandatory for these individuals, but is made available for those who want to receive it.

As vaccine supply increases, KPH will continue to vaccinate all Knox County residents who want to be vaccinated.

###