by Mary Rupert
Confetti and applause were part of the celebration for the 100,000th vaccine dose given in Wyandotte County, which went to Jerome Campbell this morning.
Campbell received the COVID-19 vaccine from Angie DeCastro, nurse, during a celebration at the Unified Government Health Department’s Central vaccine clinic at the former Kmart store at 7836 State Ave., Kansas City, Kansas.
They were joined by Curt Robinson, a Health Department volunteer who received the first vaccine from the Health Department on Dec. 23.
Juliann Van Liew, Health Department director, said with 33 percent of Wyandotte County residents receiving their first doses, there is still a long way to go.
The Health Department is ramping up efforts to take the vaccine to places where people are, she said.
Today the Health Department reported on its website that 55,382 residents had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That totals 33.48 percent of the residents of the county. Also, 46,083 Wyandotte County residents, or 27.86 percent had received two shots.
Van Liew said the 55,382 represented the number of persons who received a shot, while the 100,000th refers to the first and second doses given.
According to Van Liew, the Health Department is making progress on vaccinations and the staff and volunteers have been in it for the long haul. The Health Department has been adjusting its locations and hours, and is offering more mobile clinics.
She said the Health Department provides transportation for those who don’t have a way to get to the vaccine centers. Also, the Health Department will visit people who are homebound to give them a vaccine, she said. In addition, the Health Department can provide vaccine clinics on site for businesses, churches and groups, she added.
Walk-in vaccines and scheduled appointments are available. For more information about how to get a vaccine, visit Wycovaccines.org.
Jerome Campbell received the 100,000th dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday at the UG’s clinic at the former Kmart store. (Video by Mary Rupert)