Covid Vaccines Underway In Washington County

MARIETTA, OH — Crystal Earley is the South East Ohio Public Health Coordinator. I was able to steal a few minutes of her time at the county health department’s Marietta headquarters which they were using as a vaccination clinic. She says at first things were a bit rocky, but they’re getting on track now.

She says the Washington County Health Department vaccinated 700 people on Tuesday. “We were able to do eight vaccines every five minutes.” When asked how long someone would have to wait to get vaccinated if they signed up today she said ‘not very long.’ “We just set up these two clinics last week and they filled up. There was a little bit of a wait at first, just working out the kinks. But the numbers smoothed out now.” But with more and more vaccines becoming available, “Maybe a week? Not even that.”

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They’re offering clinics with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The Washington County Health Department doesn’t have the luxury to let people pick which one they get at this time. However, the majority of vaccines they will be getting in the near future are Moderna, and they’re almost out of Pfizer.

Starting on March 29, anyone in Ohio who is 16 or older that wants a vaccine will be allowed to receive one. The Pfizer is approved for those 16 and up, Moderna is approved for those 18 and up.

Earley said she believes everyone in Washington County who wants to be vaccinated, can be vaccinated between May and June. The vaccines are by appointment only. When you pull up to the clinic, someone will meet you at your car, get your information, and escort you into the clinic when it’s your turn.

Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are given in two doses, weeks apart. According to the health department’s literature, some of the symptoms to expect are pain and swelling at the injection site, and fever, chills, tiredness, and headache through the rest of your body. These vaccines aren't for everyone, the health department recommends anyone who is pregnant or has certain medical conditions check with their doctor.

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