MANHATTAN —The first COVID-19 vaccine was administered by Riley County Health Department clinic supervisor Aryn Price this week..
Josh Gering, Paramedic and Assistant Director of Riley County Emergency Medical Services was the first to receive the vaccine yesterday afternoon as part of a drive-through clinic for front line medical staff. A second dose of the vaccine will be administered in about four weeks. Vaccines are not yet available for the public.
“I was willing and able, and excited to be a part of this,” Gering said. “I hope to demonstrate a brave face for the community and instill a little bit of public trust in this process because I think it’s something that we all need. It’s been a tough year and I’m looking forward to rounding this corner with the rest of you.”
200 doses of the Moderna vaccine were delivered to the Riley County Health Department Monday morning. A total of 150 doses were administered Tuesday afternoon, with the remaining 50 doses scheduled to be given to front line staff next week.
Over the next few weeks, Riley County is expected to receive additional shipments of the vaccine. Initial doses will be reserved for medical and front line staff according to KDHE guidance. Information about the availability of vaccinations for the public will be shared as soon as details are available. The health department does not know when the next shipment will arrive or how many doses will be included. It could still be a number of months before vaccines are available to the general public.