Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital (EBCH) is administering COVID-19 vaccinations based on the rollout plan created by Minnesota Department of Health in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). EBCH and the state are still in the beginning stages of vaccinating Phase 1a: all healthcare workers and long-term care residents.
EBCH receives weekly allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine from the Northeast Healthcare Preparedness Coalition. To date, the healthcare system administered the first dose to its staff members who wanted the vaccine, as well as to emergency medical services (EMS) from Ely, Babbitt, and Tower, and to other community healthcare workers eligible under the plan. Starting the week of January 11, 2021, EBCH will provide this group the second dose of the two-shot vaccination.
The Minnesota Department of Health has formed an advisory group to create plans to vaccinate the next group, Phase 1b: essential frontline workers and adults age 75 and older. Although no dates have been set, EBCH is in constant communication with MDH and ready to move into this next phase when advised by the state.
While the amount of available vaccines is increasing, initial supplies are limited as production continues to catch up with and meet demands. EBCH is working closely with federal and state departments, who determine distribution, and will provide updates as soon as new information is available. EBCH officials reassure the public that they are working diligently to ensure the vaccine can be administered, as soon it is available, to everyone who wants to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.
Find the latest information on distribution on the Minnesota Department of Health website. Visit Minnesota Department of Health and search COVID-19 vaccination data, vaccine distribution.
