By Herald Staff

JASPER — The Dubois County Health Department will open Monday, for scheduled appointments only, to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible recipients. Due to the limited amount of vaccine the department is receiving for the first two weeks, the schedule is already full. Eligible individuals will have to wait to schedule an appointment until after Jan. 25.

The vaccine is available to individuals age 80 and older, as well as to licensed and unlicensed health care workers and first responders who have face-to-face interactions with patients or infectious material or work in a public-facing position that requires in-person contact. A photo ID, proof of age, or verification of current employment as a health care worker or first responder in Indiana will be required.

The Dubois County Health Department will follow the Indiana Department of Health’s guidance as they continue to release eligible groups. If you are wanting the vaccine, be patient, the health department advises. Pay attention to health department press releases, the media and the department's Facebook page for new information on vaccine eligibility.

Vaccine is available by appointment only to those currently eligible as determined by the Indiana State Department of Health. That complete list is posted to https://ourshot.in.gov, and appointments can also be scheduled at that website or by calling 211 if you do not have internet access. There is no cost to the individual, but insurance may be charged an administration fee. Individuals should bring a photo ID and an insurance card if they have one.

Currently, the Moderna vaccine will be available at the county health department. This vaccine requires two doses administered at least 28 days apart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the second vaccination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the vaccine under an Emergency Use Authorization, meaning the vaccine must be proven safe and effective in the same way that all medications and devices must be. The vaccine has been found in trials to be 94-95% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections in participants. Side effects are temporary and are generally mild, including fatigue, headache and sometimes fever.

People who have been vaccinated may still be able to infect others, so even those who are vaccinated should continue wearing a mask and quarantining if they are a close contact of a positive case.

The best ways to protect yourself and others are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Stay home when you’re sick

• Cover your cough or sneeze

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces