The Toe River Health Department has begun the process of administering the COVID-19 vaccine to local residents. What do you need to do in order to get the vaccine? The first step is to email your name and phone number to mitchellhd@toeriverhealth.org or yanceyhd@ toeriverhealth.org or averyhd@toeriverhealth.org, depending on your county of residence. The health district will then call or email you and get you set up in the state system. Wait for an email informing you of what priority group you are in. People are scheduled in groups of ten since the vaccine doses come in 10 dose vials. You will be notified when you are scheduled. Healthcare workers, those at high risk of exposure to COVID, frontline essential workers and those over 75 are being vaccinated first. The next group will be for adults with high risk of severe illness followed by those living in group settings. There is no cost for the vaccine and anyone who wants the vaccine will be able to get it. However because supplies are limited it may be several months before vaccines are available to everyone. Continue to wear a mask, wash your hands and wait at least six feet away from others.
