Vaccine clinics underway in Nebraska

COLUMBUS, Neb. - The complicated work of distributing vaccines across Nebraska continues. Getting the shot to everyone who needs it is proving to be a challenge.

"I feel getting the vaccine is the right thing to do," said Sharon Kuncl, right before she received her first dose of the Moderna vaccine.

Kuncl is one of the thousands to get vaccinated in Nebraska. Since kicking off phase 1A at the end of December, over 500 people, 65 and older, have been vaccinated across four counties.

"Well, I'm just really excited," said ECDHD Communications Director Julie McClure. "This has been a great collaboration between East Central District Health Department and Good Neighbor Community Health Center. Our district health departments are in charge of doing vaccines, they've partnered with Good Neighbor to get those vaccines into arms."

ECDHD plans to have 1000 people immunized by the end of the week.

"One of our big goals is to make sure we never waste any vaccines," said Sally Vetro, Director of Nursing for Good Neighbor Community Health Center.

Vetro, says the past month has been emotional.

"It's actually very invigorating for us," Vetro said. "To give it and see these people. They're very hopeful and very grateful for getting this vaccine."

She says she’s seen some patients cry with joy after receiving their first dose.

"People are just so excited to have this," McClure said. "Because it means their worlds are going to be able to be opening back up again."

Nurses aren't the only ones to be a part of the vaccination process in Columbus, the National Guard has also stepped in to help.

The National Guard has been able to help the process, and even help administer vaccines.

"We're very grateful to have the opportunity to get these out to our four counties, which is Boone, Colfax, Nance, and Platte," McClure said.

There is more work to be done. Just over one-percent of those eligible in the state have completed the vaccination process.

At ECHDHD, vaccinations are by appointment only. ECHDHD will reach out to you to be vaccinated. To submit your information you can go to ecdhd.ne.gov.