Freddie Howell, Bryan Fire/EMS Chief, received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from Paige Lightsey, Immunization Coordinator for the Coastal Health District.

Right now, the priority group for vaccination includes healthcare workers (including first responders who respond to medical calls like EMS), and individuals who live or work in long-term care facilities.

 Public health received the first vaccine shipments and were shared some of that supply with local hospitals. More vaccine is being shipped this week and is destined for public health and healthcare facilities.

 Eventually the vaccine will be available at some doctor's offices, pharmacies, etc., but right now the only places that can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are facilities with the ultra-low temperature freezers.

 If/when the Moderna vaccine gets authorization, more facilities will be equipped to store it because the temperature requirements are not as extreme.