CASPER, WYOMING (January 4, 2021) – Currently in Phase 1A of COVID-19 vaccination efforts, the Casper-Natrona County Health Department (CNCHD) is only able to provide its limited vaccination to healthcare workers and emergency responders per national guidelines and does not have any public waiting lists available.
The CNCHD staff have been fielding dozens of calls every day asking when or how members of the public can be placed on waiting or call lists to get the vaccine or receive information on its availability. However, distribution is according to federal and state guidelines as well as supply availability, so waiting lists are not an option at this time. As a result of the overwhelming number of calls, CNCHD asks that the public does not call its office to request to receive the vaccine or for dates on when the vaccine will be offered to the public.
“The enthusiasm and support we’re receiving from Natrona County has been outstanding. It’s inspiring that the community is rallying together, and we’re all hopeful that life will get back to normal someday soon,” CNCHD Public Information Officer Hailey Bloom said. “Unfortunately, right now, there just isn’t the supply available to vaccinate everyone, so we don’t have any kind of waiting list. There are so many unknowns right now, and we sympathize with your frustration, but we’re giving the public all of the answers we have.”
As of Jan. 5, the CNCHD has administered approximately 1,700 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to healthcare workers and providers at agencies across Casper like Wyoming Medical Center, community health clinics, long term care and assisted living facilities, inpatient behavioral clinics, home health providers and school nurses as well as emergency personnel like EMS, fire fighters and law enforcement. Priority has been determined by federal and state guidelines; read the complete list here.
If you are currently employed in a Phase 1A group but have not yet been contacted for a vaccine, please have your facility director contact CNCHD, as it is working with one point of contact from each clinic rather than individual employees.
The next group, or Phase 1B, will consist of people 70 and older and essential workers: K-12 teachers and staff, childcare providers, grocery store employees, food supply workers, postal service workers and others. A start date for this phase is still being determined, but Bloom hopes to start by late January.
“We understand that you’re scared for your own health or your loved ones’ well-being, but know that we’re working hard to get these out as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible,” Bloom said. “In the meantime, it’s critical to continue sanitizing, social distancing, wearing face coverings, staying home when you’re sick and getting tested after symptoms or exposures.”
For more updates on who is currently eligible for vaccinations, check casperpublichealth.org/vaccine-information, caspervcovid.com, the CNCHD Facebook page and Casper Vs. COVID Facebook page. The CNCHD will be creating weekly video updates and hosting those on its YouTube channel
If you are experiencing flu like symptoms or have had direct contact with a known positive case, please seek testing through the Casper-Natrona County Health Department by visiting caspervcovid.com or by calling 307-577- 9892.