By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Health Department is seeking volunteers to assist with the massive upcoming vaccination effort.

Pictured is a Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 used recently at Kosciusko Community Hospital. InkFreeNews file photo.

Health Officer Dr. William Remington said they are seeking to line up volunteers to help administer vaccines and even suggested that those who offer will receive a vaccine sooner than they might have otherwise.

He sees the offer as a convenient trade-off.

“Once you are vetted as a valid volunteer, we will try to get the COVID vaccine to you. A little carrot at the end of the stick,” he said.

The department is seeking anyone with a nursing license and others who can administer vaccines, such as paramedics, Remington said.

Anyone interested should call the health department at (574) 372-3516.

He didn’t say how many volunteers are needed but added that it would be a week or so before they begin assisting.

Other counties, including St. Joseph County, are also seeking volunteers as they prepare for what is viewed by some as one of the biggest medical undertakings in US history.

Warsaw-area first responders will start being vaccinated next week, Remington said.

But much of the plan is tentative.

“All of this is dependent on the supply chain of the vaccine. I think once we get into the vaccine products that aren’t as challenging with two-dose strategies and storage and handling, you’ll see this loosen up a bit,” Remington said.

He also asked that people not call the health department to ask if they can be put on a list for a vaccine.

“We’re getting quite a volume of phone calls from people anxious to get vaccinated,” he said.