First COVID-19 vaccine Administered in Park County

Cody, Wyo. (December 17, 2020) - Cody Regional Health (CRH) administered the first COVID-19 vaccine in Park County Wyoming on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at their main West Park Hospital Campus to Emergency Room Physician, Kirk Bollinger, MD.

Dr. Bollinger, along with all CRH healthcare recipients of the vaccine will be monitored daily and were given specific instructions for reporting out any reaction to the vaccine.

CRH broadcasted this event LIVE via their Facebook page, where their Pharmacy Director, Doug Wenke, made himself available to viewers who had questions about the vaccine.

“Many people may have questions about the vaccine and we are here to assist with this alongside Park County Public Health,” stated Keith Ungrund, CRH Chief Clinical Officer.

“There are currently 1,697 positive COVID-19 cases that have been reported in Park County to date, and this vaccine allows us to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” states Doug McMillan, CRH Chief Executive Officer.

The first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine to Park County included 975 doses and is being stored at CRH. The vaccine will be given in a phased approach, starting with healthcare frontline team members.

Phase 1a:

• Healthcare Personnel
• Long Term Care Residents

Phase 1b:

• Essential Workers
• High-Risk Med Conditions
• Adults ≥ 65 years old

In Phase 2, large numbers of doses will be available, and supply is likely to meet demand. Educational efforts will target critical populations who were not vaccinated in Phase 1.

In Phase 3, there is likely to be a sufficient supply and all unvaccinated groups will be targeted. Special attention will be directed to populations or communities with low vaccine coverage.

The state complete plan may be viewed at: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/immunization/wyoming-covid-19-vaccine-information/

For further questions about the COVID-19 vaccination please visit www.CDC.gov or call your local public health office.