The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Chouteau County residents ages 18 and over are invited to call the health department at 622-3771 to add their name to the waiting list for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine is voluntary and available at no cost, but supplies are limited. Under the state’s multi-phase plan, priority is given to the elderly, people with health vulnerabilities and frontline essential workers. However, everyone is welcome to put their name on the list.

The county will call wait list individuals for appointments as they qualify and as more doses of the vaccine become available.

So far, Chouteau County Health Department has vaccinated many local healthcare providers and staff, care home residents and some essential workers, totaling about 300 people. They are awaiting more vaccines.

The county has been issued the Moderna vaccine, which requires two doses, 28 days apart. It takes time for the body to build protection after a vaccine, so recipients may not be protected from COVID-19 until a week or two after receiving their second shot, according to the CDC.

The CDC encourages everyone to continue with precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 by covering your nose and mouth with a mask when around others, social distancing by at least 6 feet, avoiding crowds and washing your hands often.

For more information on Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/moderna/index.html.