Why Grand Forks County’s COVID-19 vaccination rate is among the best in the region | INFORUM – INFORUM

Roughly 12% are vaccinated, which is double the national average, and the fourth best county in the Dakotas and Minnesota.

"This is what weve all been waiting for," said Grand Forks public health officer Dr. Joel Walz. "It is really exciting to see, maybe, an end to this pandemic. "

The number of Grand Forks visitors fluctuates every Wednesday and Saturday. Those are the two days appointments are available.

On Saturday, Feb. 27, a little more than 2,000 doses were given. The county is receiving an extra 1,000 doses from the state in hopes of finishing the dual-doses for those 75 and older.

They got right back to business as usual on Wednesday, March 3, as they targeted around 1,100 doses to administer.

According to Grand Forks Public Health Immunization Program Manager Haley Bruhn, visitors wait anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes for the entire process. They have approximately 100 people clocking in and out during the day, including paramedics, police officers, nurses, and National Guard members.

Those wanting to receive the vaccine must register for an appointment ahead of time. Once they come at their appointed time, they briefly wait in line to check in, get the shot and then wait fifteen minutes for an observation period.

After receiving his second dose, Grand Forks resident Gerry Keenan said he's relieved at the opportunity.

"It's good for everybody, and I think we all needed this," he said. "It's a long process. We've been going through this since March, and it's kind of like a culmination."

Chantel Vazquez is a public health nurse with Grand Forks. She's given out hundreds of doses and is coming up on a decade in her profession. Like many others, her family has been affected by COVID-19 and has even lost loved ones.

"At some points last year, it was pretty grim," she said. "We didn't know what to expect or when the vaccine was coming, and it was really hard to provide hope as a health care provider it was daunting."

As vaccine clinics opened, Vazquez said, hope came with it.

"Ive been telling folks that come through, its probably one of the most gratifying things Ive done in my career, just giving the vaccine," said Vasquez.

Grand Forks is in Tiers 7 and 8 of Phase 1B, meaning child care and grade school workers are now eligible to set up appointments.

To sign up for an appointment, visit http://mychart.altru.org/ or call 701-780-6358. Those that already put their name on a waitlist do not need to reach out again.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, visit the Grand Forks public health department website.

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Why Grand Forks County's COVID-19 vaccination rate is among the best in the region | INFORUM - INFORUM

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