First Indiana COVID-19 Vaccine

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A historic moment in the battle against covid-19, the first vaccines in the united states were administered today and the stage is set for mass vaccination to begin.fox 55's caleb saylor has more.live in: around seven this morning, 975 doses of the first stage of the covid-19 vaccine arrived here at the parkview mirro center and just after 12pm, the first person in indiana, a parkview employee, was vaccinated against the virus.

And now that the vaccine has arrived and up to 1000 more doses being delivered by the end of the week, the effort to eradicate the virus can begin.

It'll all start with healthcare workers.

Those living allen, huntington, or whitley county who were designated as top priority by the indiana department of health will be able to get the first dose of the covid-19 vaccine starting tomorrow.

Michelle charles with parkview health says it's taken a month of planning and even computer simulations to make sure the vaccination clinic at the parkview mirro center runs smoothly and quickly "we have a goal of being able to give one thousand shots a day.

In order for us to accomplish that, simulation is very important."those top priority healthcare workers, not just parkview employees, as well as long term care workers, can sign up via an email link provided by the state department of health or their employers to schedule a time.

Charles says they've taken every step to provide a safe environment, including social distancing and barriers.

They're even screening for history of allergic reactions to vaccines before hand to try and avoid an incident like what happened in the united kingdom.brian dixon with the regenstrief institute says those getting vaccinated shouldn't expect anything bad to happen "they're incredibly rare events, most people, both in the clinical trials and the people receiving the vaccine in the united kingdom, as well as the united states now, are not showing those same signs of having allergic reactions."

Once people get their first dose, charles says they'll be observed for fifteen minutes after to make sure nothing serious happens.

During that time the vaccinated can sign up for their second round, expected to arrive in three weeks time.charles says after a long time trying to hold back the vaccine, she's happy relief is on the way "i think it's great, and of course when it's my turn, i will take the shot because i just think it is the right thing to do and it's the right thing to do for the community!"

Live out: for those living outside of allen, huntington, or whitley county who would be eligible to receive the vaccine, i was told when you sign up and enter your zip code, it will tell you where you're supposed to go to get your vaccine and when you do go to get the shot, you have to bring your id as well as your employee id to prove you are who you are and you're eligible for the vaccine.

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