December 28, 2020
Hartford, KY – OCH begins eagerly awaited COVID-19 Vaccinations.
Several Ohio County’s frontline healthcare workers began the Christmas holiday with the gift of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. Five hundred doses of the Moderna vaccination arrived at OCH on Wednesday, December 23rd. Three full vials, which provides approximately 30 total vaccinations, were administered on the morning of December 24th.
First to receive the vaccination was Elizabeth Ottman, MD, OB-GYN and OCH’s Chief of Surgery. “I urge all of my patients to get the vaccination,” Ottman states. “While these vaccinations seem new, in reality, immunization research on several types of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have been in production for years. It is only recently that a strong enough one was developed to specifically fight COVID-19.” mRNA vaccines do not put a weakened or inactivated virus into the body like traditional immunizations. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein that can trigger an immune response if the real virus enters our bodies. Dr. Ottman recorded an informational public service announcement with additional vaccination information that can be viewed on Ohio County Healthcare’s Facebook page.
Also included in first round of vaccinations were several essential workers including eighteen Comcare EMS ambulance service employees; David Johnston, Judge Executive; and Charlie Shields, Emergency Management Director. Additionally, several OCH frontline nurses and other clinical positions were vaccinated. Several participants reported feeling no side effects while some reported mild soreness at injection site and minor achiness/fatigue. “I hope that by setting the example of getting the vaccination that it will encourage others to receive it,” says Johnston. “I have confidence that this vaccine is key, along with masking and social distancing, in keeping our citizens safe and our businesses open.”
OCH plans to continue Tier 1 vaccinations this week of employees who work directly with patients. Tier 2 vaccinations of non-clinical employees starting with those who are considered high risk will begin on Monday, January 4th.
Ohio County Healthcare is a non-profit Joint Commission accredited health system which provides a wide range of hospital, primary care and specialty physician services.
Ohio County Healthcare offers a broad range of healthcare across a diverse landscape.
Ohio County Healthcare | 1211 Old Main Street, Hartford, KY 42347
