Healthcare providers across South Dakota are encouraging people to register to receive their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Vaccines are being distributed to groups according to risk factors like age and frequency of exposure.
Large healthcare providers have set up online registration so state residents can sign up and be contacted as soon as they are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Dr. Mike Wilde is Vice President and medical officer for Sanford Health.
Wilde says they work with the state Department of Health on a daily basis to prioritize vaccinations.
He says people in his area are eager to receive the vaccine.
“Most of the people have been very excited about getting the vaccine and There’s some that maybe have some questions – which is perfectly fine, and there’s a lot of resources out there to get those answered – and there’s some that are really hesitant to get the vaccine, but the majority are very excited.”
Wilde says signing up to receive a vaccine as soon as possible is the best way to combat the ongoing pandemic.
Scott Peterson is the Senior Director of Ambulatory and Pharmacy Operations for Monument Health.
Peterson says they want to have vaccine doses distributed the same week they arrive.
He says getting people vaccinated while reducing waste is a challenge, especially in rural areas.
“We always want to send vaccine in multiples of ten because each of these Moderna – the Moderna vaccine – comes in a package size of ten and we’ve got to use all of those within six hours, or else they expire.”
Peterson encourages everyone ages 16 and up to register to receive their vaccine.
Links:
Sanford's vaccine waiting list
Avera vaccine appointment registration