It's hard to imagine a time when we didn't know COVID-19 existed.  Now when people say "virus," we know what they mean.  The impact of COVID-19 on our lives, our activities, and our freedom has affected us all.  The responsibility is ours, as a community, to help stop this virus.  Now we have a new safe, and effective tool to help us do that--COVID-19 vaccines.

It takes everyone.

We all need to step up to beat COVID-19.  We ask you to join us in protecting yourself, your family and friends, and our community by getting vaccinated.  Getting vaccinated adds an important layer of protection for you, your family, and loved ones.  Here are some things you should know about the COVID-19 vaccine:

• All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are very effective in preventing the disease.
• The most common side effects are pain in the arm where you got the shot, feeling tired, headache, body aches, chills, and fever.
• Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available--wearing masks, staying at least 6 feet apart from people who don't live with you, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces washing your hands frequently, and getting vaccinated.

We want everyone in our community to be safe and get back to hugging our families and friends and shaking hands with our neighbors.  We all play a part in this effort, and you are key.  Please sign up to get your COVID-19 vaccination.The Foothills Health District with McDowell Emergency Services are offering vaccines to those 65 and older at this time.  Unfortunately, due to limited supplies across the state, as of January 26, people 65 and older in McDowell County will be waitlisted until more vaccines become available.  Those 65 years of age and older and healthcare workers can get their name on the waitlist by calling 828-803-4552 or by visiting McDowellem.com, clicking on the red button and filling out the online form.: