NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 28, 2020
CONTACT: Dana Kazel, Communications Manager
218-725-5049 (office) • 218-591-2219 (cell)
St. Louis County Public Health begins administering COVID-19 vaccines
St. Louis County Public Health has begun administering COVID-19 vaccines. The County received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine last Wednesday and has vaccinated approximately 150 people in two days of vaccination clinics. St. Louis County is following the priority target groups identified by the federal and state public health systems, offering the vaccine to paramedics, advanced emergency medical technicians, emergency medical technicians and emergency medical responders. It's estimated there are approximately 700 individuals working in these categories in St. Louis County. Public Health nurses are also vaccinating those responsible for administering vaccinations.
Public Health is working directly with EMS organizations to identify and contact all individuals who are eligible to receive a vaccination during this first phase.
Public Health staff held a vaccination clinic in Virginia on Christmas Eve, and in Hermantown, Virginia and Ely today. A fourth vaccination clinic location will be added in Hibbing beginning Tuesday. Vaccinations will be offered in other locations as arrangements can be made. The county received a total of 500 doses in the first shipment, with an additional 300 doses of the vaccine scheduled to arrive this week. Vaccine shipments are expected on an ongoing basis.
People receiving the Moderna vaccine from St. Louis County Public Health are given reminder cards to return for a second dose in four weeks. Public Health is one of three systems - the others being hospitals and pharmacies - administering vaccines in St. Louis County right now.
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 Steve Leslie administered a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to Kelly Lind in Virginia last Thursday. Both are Public Health Nurse Supervisors for St. Louis County.
 Each vial of the Moderna vaccine contains enough for 10 doses of the vaccine. Once a vial is opened, it must be used within six hours. Public Health nurses label the bottle with the date and time it was opened.
 Sarah Miller administers the COVID-19 vaccine to Emily Lian on Monday in Hermantown. Both are Public Health Nurses for St. Louis County who are now administering the vaccine to others.
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