COVID-19 Vaccines available for those 80 years and older

Marion, Ind. (Jan. 8, 2021) – Following guidelines set by the Indiana Department of Health for phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Marion Health (Marion Health) and the Grant County Health Department will start vaccinating Grant County residents who are 80 years and older starting Monday, January 11.

Starting Monday, the vaccine will be available to individuals age 80 and older, as well as to licensed and unlicensed healthcare workers and first responders who have face-to-face interactions with patients or infectious material or work in a public-facing position that requires in-person contact.

The state has determined vaccination priority in phase 1B by identifying age groups with the highest death rate. According to the Indiana Department of Health, just 3.8% of Indiana’s population are over 80 years old, but this group accounts for more than 19% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 52% of COVID-19 deaths.

Vaccine instructions for eligible individuals:

  • Register for an appointment online at ourshot.in.gov and click on “find a vaccination site”.
  • Or, call 2-1-1 to register and schedule an appointment by phone through the Indiana Department of Health.
  • Marion Health Vaccine Clinic: When arriving for the vaccination appointment, enter the hospital via the main entrance at 441 N. Wabash Avenue in Marion. There is vaccine-only parking available on the first level of the parking garage.
  • Grant County Health Department Vaccine Clinic: enter the health department through the main lobby via the 4th Street entrance or through the south parking lot at 401 S. Adams Street, in Marion.
  • A photo ID, proof of age, or verification of current employment as a healthcare worker or first responder in Indiana will be required.

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There is no cost to the individual, but insurance may be charged an administration fee, so bring an insurance card if applicable. Individuals will be screened prior to the vaccine administration and will be monitored for fifteen minutes following the injection.

As of today, Marion Health has vaccinated nearly 1700 individuals in the first phase of the vaccine roll out and will continue to receive vaccine shipments from the state.

People who have been vaccinated may still be able to infect others, so even those who are vaccinated should continue wearing a mask and quarantining if they are a close contact of a positive case. All residents can help to stop the spread by wearing a mask, regular hand washing, and avoiding crowds.

Two vaccines, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, are currently available. Each requires two doses administered at least 21 days apart for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days apart for the Moderna vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after the second vaccination.

For more information on Indiana’s COVID-19 positivity rates and vaccine data please visit: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2393.htm