By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Educators in Reno County will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
"The Medicine Shoppe was informed that they were able to get over 1000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine," said Karen Hammersmith with the Reno County Health Department. "In a collaboration with all the school districts and private schools in Reno County, they're going to host a pod and we will assist with organizing that."
The pod will be Sunday at the Salthawk Activity Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"That would be open to all employees in those districts," Hammersmith said. "Hopefully that will get all K-12 people vaccinated in Reno County that choose to be."
The Pfizer vaccine has not been the main type of vaccination in the county, due to its additional storage needs.
"The hospital, they're the only ones in town previously that got the Pfizer," Hammersmith said. "I think some of the nursing homes were vaccinated with Pfizer as well, but that wasn't transferred vaccinations, those companies came out and vaccinated for them."
The main difference in the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccine other than the need for super cold refrigeration with the Pfizer is that the second dose comes after 21 days with Pfizer and 28 days with Moderna.
The Medicine Shoppe staff, nurses from all districts, school volunteers, and the Health Department will staff the clinic.
A pre-registration link is being sent to districts and schools to distribute to staff. All K-12 school employees are eligible. The pre-registration form will identify a specific appointment time so that proper social distancing can be maintained.
Attendees are asked to bring in their completed registration form and a copy of their insurance card. No walk-ins will be accepted.
For information on the vaccine or to contact the Reno County Health Department, visit https://www.renogov.org/741/COVID-19.