FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) — The Allen County Department of Health announced Friday it will join the statewide effort vaccinating eligible people against COVID-19 beginning next week at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
The vaccine is now available to individuals age 80 and older, as well as healthcare 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.
Allen County Department of Health COVID-19
“Our Department is excited to join the effort to get shots into arms and get one step closer to the end of this global pandemic,” said health commissioner Dr. Matthew Sutter. “We know the COVID-19 vaccine is tremendously effective at keeping people out of the hospital and preventing severe disease, so we encourage every eligible person to make an appointment as soon as possible.”
The Department of Health will open the vaccination clinic in Expo IV at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, 4000 Parnell Ave., on Wednesday, Jan. 13.
Due to limited supply, the vaccine is available by appointment only to those currently eligible as determined by the Indiana Department of Health.
Appointments must be made in advance at ourshot.in.gov or by calling 2-1-1 daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
No walk-in’s will be accepted.
Family members will be allowed to make appointments on behalf of eligible seniors.
Those coming to the vaccination site should wear a mask and bring a photo ID, proof of age, or verification of current employment as a healthcare worker or first responder in Indiana, as well as their health insurance card to their appointment.
There is no cost to the vaccine recipient, but insurance may be charged an administration fee.
The Department will be providing the Moderna vaccine, which 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.
Individuals will be able to schedule their second appointment at the Department’s clinic after receiving the first dose.
