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2021 Press Releases

Posted on: January 5, 2021

Montgomery County Launches First COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

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NORRISTOWN, PA – The Montgomery County Commissioners and the Office of Public Health (OPH) today announced plans to vaccinate qualifying healthcare staff at a public vaccination clinic hosted by Montgomery County Community College.

Due to the limited supply of vaccine at this time, only people in the CDC defined 1A category who live or work in Montgomery County will be given appointments. Appointment slots are limited and are available by reservation only. Walk-up registration is not accepted. 

“We ask that everyone have patience as we start this initial roll-out. The vaccine is in limited supply and vaccination efforts will focus on those at highest risk for contracting COVID-19 such as hospital workers, doctors, dentists, and medical first responders,” said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “We thank our healthcare partners and Montgomery County Community College for stepping up to support our first vaccination site.” 

“The vaccine is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our community and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The goal is for everyone to easily get vaccinated as soon as large enough quantities are available,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “Vaccine availability is still limited which is why we are starting distribution in a phased approach. As more doses become available, we will be able to vaccinate more people at more locations.”

“Montgomery County Community College is pleased to serve our communities by supporting Montgomery County as a COVID-19 testing site last year and now as the first COVID-19 vaccination clinic site in the County,” said Dr. Victoria L. Bastecki-Perez, President of Montgomery County Community College. “As the communities’ college, MCCC is a comprehensive resource hub during the pandemic and with the economic recovery through our educational and workforce programs.”

“As a community partner, the College is here to assist in efforts that improve and protect the lives of residents,” said Frank X. Custer, Chairman of the Montgomery County Community College Board of Trustees. “We will continue to work closely with our County officials to provide any resources needed.”

Registration Process: Healthcare offices and healthcare professionals who meet the criteria for 1A must complete a screening survey to request a vaccine appointment. OPH will review the responses and send a registration link to people that fit into the 1A category, which will take them to an appointment system. An appointment confirmation and a medical license, badge or paystub verifying employment will be required to receive a vaccination.

Montgomery County plans to continue vaccinating people who live or work in Montgomery County five days a week, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. throughout January and February. As more vaccine doses become available, more appointment slots and vaccination clinics will be opened. Residents are encouraged to check the Montgomery County COVID-19 Vaccine page for updates.

1A Category Definitions: Health care personnel are defined by ACIP as paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and may include, but are not limited to, emergency medical service personnel, nurses, dentists, nursing assistants, home health aides, physicians, technicians, therapists, phlebotomists, pharmacists, students and trainees, direct support professionals, clinical personnel in school settings or correctional facilities, contractual staff not employed by the health care facility, and persons (e.g., clerical, dietary, environmental services, laundry, security, maintenance, engineering and facilities management, administrative, billing, and volunteer personnel) not directly involved in patient care but potentially exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted among from healthcare personnel and patients. For full details on who qualifies for 1A and to learn about future phases, visit the Montgomery County COVID-19 Vaccine page.

Residents of Montgomery County with vaccine questions can contact OPH at publichealth@montcopa.org

Residents of other Counties with vaccine questions can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-724-3258 or click here

Media Contact: Kelly Cofrancisco, kcofrancisco@montcopa.org

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