JANESVILLE, Wis. – More than 100 first responders were able to get the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations after two major healthcare facilities were left with extras.
The City of Beloit Fire Department said nearly two dozen firefighters got the shot after they got a call from Beloit Health Systems.
“We were getting contacted saying ‘Hey, can you send some staff up if you have some that are interested?’,” said Dep. Chief Joe Murray. “That’s been the process.”
Beloit Health Systems said they were left with extras of the Moderna vaccination after vaccinating frontline staff.
“Everyone’s trying to work together,” Murray said.
In Janesville, more than 100 police officers and sheriff’s deputies had access to the vaccine, albeit over a very limited time range Monday night.
“Around six, I got a call from the pharmacist and he said we have about 100 dosages left,” said Dr. Jay MacNeal from MercyHealth in Janesville. “We need to get these used or they could potentially go to waste. We don’t want that to happen.”
MacNeal said the healthcare system had vaccinated almost all of its frontline staff. The remaining doses would go to waste if they were not used.
“Once it’s thawed out, it has to be used.”
Murray said he’s applied for a full round of doses for his staff, but hasn’t received them yet. When they do arrive, any extra will go to other City of Beloit employees. He said while it’s not likely the general public will see the vaccine until the spring, making the most of the current doses allows the process to move faster.
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