Eligible COVID Vaccine candidates are getting the vaccine at high rates in Madison County

In madison county and surrounding areas, the COVID vaccine is in Phase 1 a1. Meaning only healthcare workers and first responders are eligible.

“And we’ve vaccinated almost 5000 people at this point, said Amy Garner.

Garner, the chief compliance communications officer, shared how eligible candidates are responding to the vaccine. So far, the response is what garner describes as overwhelming.

“The response has been overwhelming. We just can’t get the vaccine quick enough,” said Garner.

According to garner, the turn out from those who are eligible causes clinics to run out.

“As soon as we get the vaccine in, we are vaccinating people as quickly as we can.”

Health experts say the vaccine will not be available to the general public until March or April. In a recent survey done by kaiser, residents living in rural areas are hesitant about getting the vaccine.

“There is a reluctance about it because it is a new vaccine,” said Garner.

In rural areas, just a little over 31 percent of people say they will get the vaccine. Research by experts suggests people are concerned about its safety and effectiveness.

Voice of Amy Garner-Chief Compliance Communications Officer for WTH

“I would encourage people to do their own research. Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, and the CDC all have a lot of information on their website about how the vaccine was developed.”

So far, no severe allergic reactions have been reported in this area.