Distributing the COVID-19 vaccine at South Lincoln Medical Center

Mysti Willmon, Gazette Editor
Posted 1/27/21

One hundred and seventeen COVID-19 vaccines have been given at South Lincoln Medical Center as of Thursday, Jan. 18, according to Director of Pharmacy Services Lexi Scherr.

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Distributing the COVID-19 vaccine at South Lincoln Medical Center

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One hundred and seventeen COVID-19 vaccines have been given at South Lincoln Medical Center as of Thursday, Jan. 18, according to Director of Pharmacy Services Lexi Scherr. Scherr is the lead point of the COVID-19 treatment group at the hospital. Initially, the hospital received 200 doses of the vaccine, Scherr said. More are arriving in shipments from the government.

“We are just where we should be without having delays.” Lexi Scherr said in regard to the number of vaccines available and the amount of people who want it and are eligible.

Vaccines are free to those who are eligible; however, hospitals and other providers can charge a $21.72 administration fee with every shot, Scherr said.

The federal government buys the vaccine and distributes the vaccine to the states; states distribute to counties and counties distribute to their healthcare entities, Scherr said. South Lincoln Medical Center received doses of the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19. Two doses are required for the vaccine, with the second dose required 28 days after the first. The vials are good in the freezer for up to the expiration date. They are good for 30 hours in the fridge and 12 hours at room temperature. However, if the vial is punctured, it only lasts for six hours.

“That is why it is so important to show up at your appointment at the time it is scheduled,” Scherr said. “We line the appointments up so all doses are used with none going to waste.”

Each vial contains 10 doses. Scherr said they have had issues with people making appointments at both Lincoln County Public Health and South Lincoln Medical Center.

Scherr said that Moderna went through rigorous testing in order to make it to the general population.

“No steps were skipped,” Scherr said. “The tech is nothing new. Because of the demand, we were able to overcome usual boundaries such as cost. The vaccine has undergone the same level of scrutiny every other vaccine does.”

Scherr urges citizens to contact their provider or Public Health if they have more questions.

Vaccines are given out in groups with those who are most at risk being eligible first.

The first group was hospital staff, EMS, long-term and assisted care facilities and others who have regular possibility of exposure to COVID-19.

The second phase, 1B, allows for fire, police, 911, individuals aged 70 and over,  as well as essential workers who must interact with the public and are unable to physically distance from others.

According to Scherr, they are currently on stage 1B for vaccination with those in 1C eligible once the state gives the OK.

As of Jan. 17, Wyoming has received 40,975 (20,475 Pfizer and 20,500 Moderna) doses for the first round of the vaccine. Wyoming has distributed 22,817 doses to residents, according to the Wyoming Department of Health website.

For the second dose, Wyoming received 17,800 doses (7,800 Pfizer/10,000 Moderna). This is the number of doses for the second half of the vaccine. Wyoming has administered 3,746 second doses, according to the Wyoming Department of Health.