(Lincoln, NE) -- The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is expanding Phase 1B priority groups for COVID-19 vaccine.
The health department says the move is based on updated federal recommendations.
Phase 1B now includes:
- People 65 years and older
- People with certain underlying medical conditions identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19
- Essential workers
LLCHD says they recently launched a survey to physicians’ offices throughout the county, and are assisting in identifying patients in the 65 and over age group, as well as those with underlying medical conditions. The department says they are also actively working with numerous community partners who will help support vaccination efforts for Phase 1B. The plan is to open Phase 1B as soon as vaccine supply is available. LLCHD says more specifics will be announced as they’re finalized.
Individuals in Phase 1A are currently being vaccinated, which includes health care personnel, emergency medical technicians, and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. LLCHD says vaccines will soon be available for others in Phase 1A, including school nurses, dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. They say many local health care providers and EMTs are already receiving their second dose of vaccine.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov, call the Health Department hotline at 402-441-8006.