OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Vaccine registration begins in Douglas County and all across the state for older Nebraskans. The state vaccine registration portal launched Thursday and the Douglas County registration website and call center will go live Friday morning at 9am.
The Douglas County Health Department vaccine registration call center is ready to begin work Friday morning. The call center operated by the health department and members of the National Guard will assist in getting those over the age of 80 in Douglas County registered for a vaccine beginning on Friday at 9am. The health department is expecting phone lines to be off the hook.
"You know, I am concerned, I hope everything goes by plan. But you can plan only so much and then it's going to come out a little bit different," Douglas County Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said.
The department prefers individuals to use their vaccine registration website over the call line. The call line is set up for those without internet access. Dr. Pour says they are limiting vaccines to only those over the age of 80 because supply is short.
"The group 65 and above is much too large. So we are trying to prioritize within that age group and feel very strongly that the older you are the higher the risk is," she said.
In a few weeks the health department hopes to expand that age group to 75 and older. If you already signed up to receive vaccine notifications through the Douglas County Health Department, calling or going online Friday isn't necessary – the health department will reach out to you.
There are four main vaccination clinics:
- Christ Community Church at 404 South 108th Street
- CHI Immanuel Medical Center at 72nd Street and Sorensen Parkway
- The Nebraska Medicine Testing and Vaccination Clinic at 144th and Millard Avenue
- Creighton University’s Rasmussen Center at 702 North 17th Street
The health department is working with other community partners to bring more locations to the metro including in South Omaha. An appointment is required.
The state vaccine registration website launched Thursday. This website will take your information and notify when you are eligible for a vaccine. This registration is not limited to only those over 80-years-old.
"When you register within the system you're going to get notified hey congratulations, you've registered. And then when it's time for you to schedule you'll get notified hey, it's time for you to get scheduled," Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Incident Commander Angie Ling said.
Individuals do not have to register on every vaccine registration website. For now, it is preferred you try to register through the county health department that you live in. Interpreters will be available on call lines and the state website has plans for a Spanish registration website in the coming weeks.
DHHS Hotline: 531-249-1873 or toll free 833-998-2275
DCHD Hotline: 402-444-3400