The Marion County Health Board Tuesday night discussed differences that will take place now that the federal government is declaring the COVID-19 pandemic over effective May 11th.
Administrator Melissa Mallow says one change is COVID vaccine will no longer be free.
“Ending the public health emergency means the virus will be treated as an endemic threat to public health that can be managed through agencies normal authorities. So what does that mean for us at the Marion County Health Department? As long as the federally purchased vaccines last, COVID-19 vaccines will be free to all. Once that supply is gone, we’ll have to purchase the vaccine and have to bill for it. The Moderna vaccine used for the primary series will expire on March 31st, 2023 and no more can be ordered through federal supply so it is slowly being taken away. We have not been told how much the vaccines will cost on the private market.”
Mallow says while they will have to charge for the COVID vaccine, the health department has a $150,000 grant that is good through December 31st that will pay employees to administer COVID-19, Monkey Pox, and Flu vaccines.
Right now the health department is offering free COVID-19 testing to the Marion County Jail and congregate care facilities. Prisoners at the Marion County Jail can also receive free COVID-19 shots.
She reported the death toll from the COVID-19 pandemic in Marion County is 222, with three deaths reported in the past quarter.
Mallow also announced the Marion County Health Department will get a five year $349,000 grant for work force development. $69,791 will be available each year. Mallow says it can be used to supplement salaries or add positions where needed.
