SEDHD is working closely with the district’s healthcare partners and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure efficient and secure distribution of the vaccine across the district. “The partnership between SEDHD and the district’s healthcare organizations has been incredible throughout the entirety of the pandemic. The collaboration between healthcare organizations and the health department provided us an opportunity to be one of the few rural regions within the state to receive and distribute the Pfizer vaccine,” said SEDHD Health Director Grant Brueggemann.
Due to the limited supply of vaccine, SEDHD and DHHS are using a phased approach. Phase 1A, beginning today in the Southeast District, will focus on providing vaccines to healthcare personnel providing care and treatment to COVID-19 patients. The vaccine is not yet available to the general public.
The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization on a second COVID-19 vaccine produced by Moderna on December 18. “The Southeast Health District is likely to see additional vaccine product throughout the next few weeks and additional segments of critical infrastructure will be included in vaccination efforts,” said Brueggemann.
The COVID vaccine was developed and deployed within an accelerated timeframe. Brueggemann said that this expedited process is a product of prior research related to these types of vaccines, substantial funding support by the federal government, and the dedication of vaccine researchers worldwide. “No shortcuts were taken in the development of the vaccines and this moment will be pivotal in reducing the impact of COVID- 19 within our communities,” said Brueggemann.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit sedhd.org or call SEDHD at (402) 274-3993.
