Vaccine clinic update: Public health urges residents to sign up

Hancock County Community Health response from area residents in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine has been wonderful, according to a press release from public health officials. Since January 1, Hancock County Community Health has held clinics every week averaging an administration rate of 400 doses per week.

To date, more than 3,830 area residents - or 46.2% of the total 8,292 vaccine-eligible Hancock County residents (those 18 and older) - have received at least one dose of vaccine while many have received their required two doses.

While Hancock County health officials are proud of the success in the number of people vaccinated and the efficiency of vaccination clinics, the county did refuse additional doses of the vaccine from the state recently because more people are needs to sign up for the clinics.

In an effort to create enhanced access for people, Hancock County began offering on-line scheduling: https://mercyhealth.rsvpify.com.

 “While we have come a long way, our goal is to further increase the number of people vaccinated,” said Chelcee Schleuger, Hancock County Community Health Director. “COVID-19 still poses a real threat to our health and the best way to protect yourself and those you love is by receiving the vaccine.”

Schleuger also reminds people wearing a mask and adhering to social distancing guidelines is important.

J&J Update:

As of April 12, more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine have been administered in the U.S. CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the J&J vaccine. Until further review of these cases can happen, the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been paused.

Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority and we take all reports of health problems following COVID-19 vaccination very seriously.

People who have received the J&J vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider.