Grand Marais vaccine distribution lays groundwork for future events

Officials from Sawtooth Mountain Clinic teamed with Cook County Public Health and Human Services staff and the local emergency operations center to host a vaccination event at the curling rink in the community center last week.
 
A total of 40 vaccinations were given to healthcare providers or others involved with healthcare in Cook County. Another event is scheduled for the week of Jan. 18-22 in Cook County, also at the curling rink in Grand Marais and specific to a small sector of the community.
 
Looking ahead, when the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more readily available to the general public later this year, public health officials in Cook County will likely use the model of these initial events for those who want to get vaccinated.
 
WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs spoke with Sawtooth Mountain Clinic CEO Kate Surbaugh about the local vaccination events, including those planned for the near future, the next several months and beyond.
 
Other topics discussed during this Jan. 13 interview include changes announced this week by the federal government that they will double the vaccine supply by releasing second doses of the vaccine and news that Minnesota and other states should immediately start vaccinating people age 65 and older, as well as younger people with specific health issues.
 
Surbaugh also shares an update on the pharmacy that is scheduled to open this month at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic. The opening of the pharmacy remains largely on track, Surbaugh said, and is now just weeks from opening.