Sheridan awaits delivery of COVID vaccine

Sheridan Memorial Hospital could see delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine within the next couple of weeks.

That’s according to Dr. John Addlesperger, the hospital’s chief medical officer, in a report to hospital trustees this week.

Dr. Addlesperger said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still working out the final details regarding priorities for who receives the vaccine. But he said Sheridan Memorial will be able to start an immunization program as soon as the FDA approves a vaccine.

He said two vaccines have been submitted, and both are currently under review. Dr. Addlesperger said he doesn’t know when the review process will end, but Sheridan Memorial is actively working with Sheridan County Public Health on how the vaccine will be distributed in the community.

Dr. Addlesperger said health care workers appear likely to be the first recipients of the vaccine when it’s made available, as well as long-term care facility providers and patients.

He said names are also being taken of people asking to receive the vaccine, but ultimately, priority will be based on an individual’s risk of having significant disease.

He said according to word from the government, everybody will have an opportunity to be vaccinated by April.