A Moderna COVID-19 vaccine vial is seen at Havelock Manor.
"COVID arm" is a term experts are using to describe a delayed itchy rash or dull pain following a COVID-19 vaccine. The condition is currently most strongly linked to the Moderna mRNA vaccines but can occur after others. Doctors say that the effect is harmless and people should not let it deter them from getting their second dose of the vaccine. The symptoms can appear after a week since someone received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness or a skin rash eight or more days after receiving the injection. Researchers say that the reaction should fade by itself after four or five days. Researchers say that less than 1% of those involved in early trials of the Moderna vaccine developed a raised or itchy rash.
The state has moved to Phase 2B of its COVID-19 vaccination timeline, meaning anyone over age 16 is eligible for a shot.
In Lancaster County, however, the local health department is continuing to allocate its supplies based on age, with the most recent mass vaccination clinics designated for those age 49 and over.
Appointments are required. To date, the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has arranged appointments for those who have completed the online COVID-19 vaccine registration form.
Those who do not have online access or who need assistance may call the health department's COVID-19 hotline at 402-441-8006 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays to register.
Those 16 and over wanting a vaccine in Lincoln can go through the Federal Pharmacy Program to get a shot.
In Lincoln, Hy-Vee stores, select Walgreens and Walmart locations and RelyCare Pharmacy are offering vaccinations through the federal program.
Appointments are required. Go here for signup information:
* Hy-Vee
* Walmart
* RelyCare
Appointments are also available through participating Federal Pharmacy Program locations across the state.
Meanwhile, health departments in other parts of Nebraska have opened clinics to anyone age 16 and over.
You can track state and local progress on vaccinations:
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov, call the Health Department hotline at 402-441-8006 or visit the CDC.org/coronavirus.
Photos: COVID-19 vaccine clinic for health-care workers in Lincoln
Vaccine clinic
A health care professional works to fill syringes with doses of the Moderna vaccine as part of a mass vaccination clinic at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday. “Today’s experience tells us that we are ready to conduct these types of clinics as soon as we can get more vaccine,” said Health Director Pat Lopez.
Vaccine clinic
Brandon Chapek
Vaccine clinic
LINCOLN, NEB. - 01/22/2021 - Health Director Pat Lopez (right) alongside CHI Health VP- Chief Medical Officer Michael Rapp (center) and BMC CEO John Woodrich address members of the press at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The first mass vaccination clinic took place at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The first doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were administered to front line health care workers early Friday morning. "This is what we worked for," Health Director Pat Lopez said. "We are now moving forward and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star.
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Empty syringes wait to be filled with doses of vaccine at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday.
Vaccine clinic
After being vaccinated Jan. 22 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, participants were monitored for side effects for 15 minutes before being released. Nearly 2,400 health care workers received their first dose of vaccine at the event.
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Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird speaks to members of the press during a the first mass vaccination clinic at Pinnacle Bank Arena in January.
Vaccine clinic
Health care professionals work to fill syringes with doses of the Moderna vaccine at a mass vaccination clinic at Pinnacle Bank Arena on Friday.
Vaccine clinic
A nurse administers the first dose of the Moderna vaccine Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Vaccine clinic
Labels will go on cards which show recipients received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine on Friday.
Vaccine clinic
A nurse administers a Moderna vaccine at Pinnacle Bank Arena, where Lincoln had its first mass vaccination clinic Jan. 22.
Vaccine clinic
A health care volunteer primes a syringe with the Moderna vaccine at Pinnacle Bank Arena during a vaccination clinic Jan. 22.
Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.
