The Greene County Public Health Department has temporarily discontinued taking waiting list requests for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Director Becky Wolf tells Raccoon Valley Radio because of the changes made to the Phase 1B priority groups, including the five sub-priority tiers and those 65 and older that are now included, public health is no longer accepting waiting list requests for the vaccine. She notes that the individuals who made their requests by Friday, January 15th will be honored, based on vaccine availability. 

The top tier for Phase 1B includes first responders, pre-kindergarten and early childhood education staff, and childcare workers. Tier two includes those in food and agriculture, as well as distribution and manufacturing workers and those with disabilities living in home and their direct staff. The third tier are staff of and individuals living in congregate settings and governmental officials. Tier four includes hospital, long-term care and child safety inspectors. The final tier for Phase 1B includes correctional facility staff and incarcerated individuals. 

Wolf points out this pause will allow them to reevaluate their mass vaccination campaign, but anticipate to continue administering vaccines to those in the Phase 1B group for February, with vaccine availability. She adds, there are about 2,000 Greene County residents who qualify under the Phase 1B changes. Wolf notes in the coming weeks, there will be an online sign-up page to schedule a vaccine appointment.