---

BACKUS - COVID-19 vaccine in Cass County is being distributed as it becomes available, but currently the allocation has been limited, county officials said.

About 14.3% of Cass County residents have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, public health nurses Jamie Richter and Gina Zubke informed the Cass County Board at its Tuesday, Feb. 16, meeting.

Zubke stated as of Feb. 5, Cass County Public Health has conducted a total of 41 clinics in about 20 different locations. The county has received a total of 800 first dose vaccines, with 90 doses being non-viable and unable to use, and 100 second dose vaccines. A total of 698 people have received their first dose with 80 having received their second dose. It was also noted an additional 200 initial doses and 200 second doses were received the week of Feb. 8 with all doses being distributed within 72 hours.

Cass County Public Health has begun vaccinating educators within each of the five school districts in Cass County and was able to allocate 40 doses to each school district. Zubke also mentioned that Cass County Public Health is currently taking calls for a 65-plus waitlist and there are no public clinics planned currently due to limited vaccine allocation. However when enough vaccines become available, they are prepared to begin clinics immediately.

Richter informed the board that recently Guide Point in Longville had received 100 doses and distributed them to their patrons in the 65-plus category. Other health care providers have vaccines available, but none of the clinics within Cass County are offering vaccination.[[In-content Ad]]

---