Cass County residents with two or more high-risk medical conditions, regardless of age, who would like to receive information about COVID-19 vaccine opportunities are encouraged to share their contact information with Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH).
“The positive response from the community, in terms of uptake of COVID-19 vaccine, has allowed us to make a smooth transition through initial priority groups in Phase 1B. We are encouraging residents in this next priority group to share their contact information with us so we can provide vaccination opportunities,” says Suzanne Schaefer, FCPH Director of Nursing.
Cass County residents in Phase 1B priority groups are encouraged to submit the COVID-19 Vaccine - Phase 1B Resident Contact Form or call 701.241.1360 to share their contact information with FCPH. Residents should then monitor their email frequently for communication about vaccine availability. In some cases, messages may be delivered to a spam or junk folder, so residents are encouraged to monitor multiple email folders. It is also important that residents not share online registration links for vaccine clinics. Sharing this information may result in situations where individuals not currently eligible for vaccine may make an appointment. This would reduce available vaccine for residents who are currently eligible.
Currently, FCPH is providing vaccine to priority groups identified by the North Dakota Department of Health in the North Dakota COVID-19 Vaccination Plan. Priority groups in Phase 1B include older individuals and those with high-risk medical conditions. FCPH also continues to accommodate individuals in Phase 1A who would like to receive vaccine. Information about vaccine availability through FCPH will continue to be communicated through local media, the FCPH website FargoCassPublicHealth.com and social media channels.
In order to best protect those receiving the vaccine as well as the community at large, it is of utmost importance that individuals receive both doses of vaccine. The Moderna vaccine requires two doses separated by 28 days; the Pfizer vaccine requires two doses separated by 21 days. Vaccine record cards will be provided as documented proof of vaccination and should be kept in a safe location.
Residents should continue practicing recommended public health prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. These measures include wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance, avoiding gatherings with people outside of their household, good hand hygiene and staying home when sick. Additionally, residents are also encouraged to rely on credible sources for reliable information about COVID-19 vaccine. Both the North Dakota Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide information on this important topic.