Some Cook County residents age 60-64 now eligible for COVID vaccine

Officials from the Cook County Public Health Department announced on WTIP March 1 that Sawtooth Mountain Clinic patients age 60-64 with certain underlying medical conditions or social stressors are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Cook County Public Health Supervisor Grace Grinager said during a live interview that to be eligible for vaccination in an event March 4 at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais those eligible for the vaccine must be age 65 or older, or a patient of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic between the ages of 60-64. Those in 60-64 age tier must have either an underlying health condition or a social stressor that puts them at higher risk for COVID-19. Examples of qualifying medical conditions include asthma, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and obesity. Likewise, examples of social stressors include unemployment, homelessness, difficulty meeting basic needs such as food, housing or utilities, social isolation or stress due to the pandemic, racism, discrimination or violence and other social stressors. 

Registration is required for this and all future vaccine events. Click here to register.  

Additionally, some 500 individuals will be receiving their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine the week of March 1. Those who received the first dose of the vaccine at an event on either Feb. 3 or Feb. 4 should reference their vaccine record card for the date and time of their second dose appointment. Grinager said it is possible those scheduled for a second dose this week may not get a reminder call or text due to an issue with the clinic’s appointment reminder system.

If there are any questions about second-dose appointments, call the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic at 218-877-8273.

In related news, Cook County continues to have the highest vaccination rate for COVID-19 in Minnesota based on the percentage of local residents who have received the vaccine.

As of March 1, a total of 2,183 Cook County residents, which equates to more than 40 percent of the population, have received the first dose of the vaccine. Among those, more than 1,000 people have received the second dose as well and are fully vaccinated.

Cook County also continues to have the lowest total case count for COVID-19 and there were no additional cases reported last week.

The audio below is Grinager’s full interview and update from March 1 on WTIP’s Daybreak program.