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Countryside Public Health & CCM Health Statement:

COVID-19 Vaccine Supply and Distribution

January 2021

The arrival of the approved COVID-19 vaccine is good news for our country and the State of Minnesota. Being vaccinated for COVID-19 is a very important step to protect yourself and your community. When we stop the spread of COVID-19, we can help keep businesses, schools, and other public locations open.

Due to the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine being limited at first, wearing a facemask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, washing your hands, and staying home if you are sick are still very important.

Both CCM Health and Countryside Public Health received their first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. Countryside Public Health and CCM Health are currently vaccinating individuals in the Phase 1a category which includes health care personnel and long-term care residents.

At this time, the COVID-19 vaccine is very limited, and it will take time before everyone can get it. Hundreds of millions of people in the United States alone need to be vaccinated, so it will be a long process to make, distribute, and give that many doses of vaccine. Because demand is far greater than the supply right now, vaccinations are being prioritized.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has provided local recommendations using the established federal guidelines on which groups will get the vaccine first and we strictly follow the recommendations. MDH has established a COVID-19 vaccine allocation advisory group to help ensure the vaccine is distributed quickly and fairly across the state. The advisory group is made up of external partners who represent key populations in our state, such as local public health, long-term care, pharmacy partners, diverse communities, and more.

Weekly vaccine shipments are anticipated, yet the supplies received will be limited and it will take several weeks to vaccinate the first group of people.

Both CCM Health and Countryside Public Health hope that they can begin vaccinating individuals in the Phase 1b category in the next few weeks. As of January 14, 2021, Phase 1b now includes individuals who are 65 years of age and older. CCM Health and Countryside Public Health are communicating and coordinating efforts to ensure the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to go smoothly when supplies do arrive in our region. Please watch for updates for on both organization’s social media and websites and in the local media.

Eventually, everyone who wants to get vaccinated will have the opportunity. The understanding and patience of everyone as we work to distribute the vaccine in our area is greatly appreciated.

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