Sheridan County is expected to receive its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines this week.
“The attention given to vaccine research, testing, production and distribution, allowing it to move through each stage safely and quickly, is unprecedented,” said Public Health Officer Dr. Ian Hunter. “It’s a welcome relief during our continual fight against COVID-19.”
Sheridan County and Sheridan Memorial Hospital are scheduled to receive 1,100 doses of the Moderna vaccine this week. Vaccines will be distributed according to the state-provided prioritization schedule (available at health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information), beginning with front line medical and emergency service personnel.
“Receiving doses of either vaccine continues to be a moving target,” said Sheridan County Public Health Nurse Manager Debra Haar. “We are receiving updates from the State every day on the number of doses, when it should arrive, and who in our community we should prioritize.”
To keep the community informed of the ever-changing plans, Sheridan County has posted a vaccine-specific webpage on their COVID-19 Information site (www.sheridancounty.com/covid-19/). Once Sheridan County is closer to having vaccines available to the public, updates will be posted on this site, as well as provided to local media.
Monitoring COVID-19 Cases in Sheridan County
In mid-November, new cases of COVID-19 spiked in Sheridan County, prompting Dr. Hunter to issue a mask mandate. Since that mandate took effect, new and active cases experienced a decline.
“The response from our community has been phenomenal. People are wearing masks, social distancing, taking the precautions we have asked them to, and our case numbers plummeted,” said Dr. Hunter. “To see the response from our community after our health care workers asked for help, it is truly humbling. I’m so thankful to be living in this community.”
Sheridan County’s IMT urges the community to continue to stay home when ill, wear a mask, socially distance, avoid large gatherings, clean frequently touched surface, and wash your hands. Even with improved case numbers and vaccines on the way, everyone needs to remain vigilant in their efforts to slow the spread of the virus. Your hard work protects you, your family, and your community.
