On Friday, February 1st, Governor Andy Beshear announced that COVID-19 vaccination sites across the state could begin registering Kentucky residents over the age of 60.  At that time, Pikeville Medical Center amended its website (www.pmcvaccine.com) to allow members of that group living in PMC’s service area to register online.

“We have noticed a gradual slowing of registrations from our 70+ population,” explained PMC Vice President of the Board of Directors and CEO Donovan Blackburn.  “The state’s new directive is now allowing our local residents over 60 to register through our website.  Having this expanded group in our system will ensure that we will be able to continue administering over 90% of the vaccines we receive each week.”

According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, each of the 34 vaccination sites across the state must be able to administer 90% or more of all vaccine doses they receive within seven days of arrival.  While the over 60 portion of the Phase 1C group is now allowed to register, Blackburn stressed that priority will be given to individuals in the 1A and 1B groups when scheduling vaccinations.  Those in the 1A and 1B groups include all healthcare personnel, first responders, K-12 school personnel and anyone age 70 or older who are residents of Kentucky.

As the region’s single largest medical provider, Pikeville Medical Center is proud to be a part of the historic endeavor of administering the COVID-19 vaccine with the hope and prayer of bringing an end to this pandemic.

Those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination can only do so online by visiting www.pmcvaccine.com. Please only register once.

Do’s and Don’ts for Vaccinations

Pikeville Medical Center is administering COVID-19 vaccinations under the direction and oversight of the State of Kentucky. The vaccine will only be given to those who have a scheduled appointment, using our online registration process, as determined by the State’s phasing plan. Therefore, it is important to know and understand the Do’s and Don’ts to plan and receive the vaccine.

DO’S

• Visit www.pmcvaccine.com to begin the registration process if you qualify.

• Register if you are 60 years of age or older and a resident of Kentucky, preferably residing in either Pike, Floyd, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, or Johnson County in Kentucky, as outlined by the State’s current phasing plan.

• Register through the PMC website if you are a phase 1A healthcare worker or first responder who lives or works anywhere in Kentucky.

• Expect a call from a PMC Scheduler after completing the registration process to collect the required information to schedule your appointment. Please be patient; appointments are made in the order we receive them. Due to the State’s allocation of the vaccine, it may be days or even weeks before we call to schedule your appointment time.

• Before your scheduled appointment, review your vaccine information by visiting www.pmcvaccine.com. On the top of the page, click on the CDC Vaccine Information link for information.

• Arrive on time. Due to the complexity in scheduling, we need to ensure that traffic flow occurs as scheduled.

• Wear a short sleeve or loose-fitting shirt so your upper arm can be easily accessed by the person administering your vaccination. It will help expedite the process.

• Be prepared to wait 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. However, if you are on blood thinners or have a history of allergic reactions, you will be asked to wait 30 minutes. You will be directed to a designated staging area for observation until the required wait time expires. PMC personnel will contact you when you when it is your time to leave.

• Bring someone with you who is not receiving the vaccine. This person can alert our staff if you experience an adverse reaction to the vaccine during your wait time. If you experience ANY discomfort or signs of adverse reaction, please notify our PMC Staff in the area by waving or sounding your car horn for immediate assistance. Although adverse reactions are rare, we will have staff and equipment on site as a precaution.

• Bring your Epipen if you have one and have a history of severe allergies. Though adverse reactions have been rare, it is always best to have your Epipen with you.

• Be prepared to receive your follow-up appointment for the 2nd vaccine dose. For the Pfizer vaccine, you will be required to return for your 2nd booster dose 21 days after your first dose to ensure its full effectiveness.

• Expect to receive a vaccination card that will show the type of vaccine you receive and the date you received it. Please bring the card back for your return visit so the provider can update the card indicating that you have received both doses.

• Expect some side effects typically lasting several days after receiving the vaccine, according to the CDC’s web site. Most common side effects can include pain and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, chills and fever.

• Contact your medical provider if you have any concerns after receiving your vaccination.

• Visit the State of Kentucky COVID-19 website (www.kycovid19.ky.gov) if you have any questions or concerns about the vaccine or Kentucky’s phasing plan.

DON’TS

• Don’t register if you are not in the Phase 1A, Phase 1B group or 60 years of age or older as defined by Kentucky’s website (www.kycovid19.ky.gov ).

• Don’t arrive more than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Early admittance will not be permitted. If you arrive early, you will be asked to wait in a separate staging area until your scheduled appointment time.

• Don’t arrive more than 10 minutes past your scheduled time. Because of the time-sensitive nature of the COVID-19 vaccination process, we must follow the schedule precisely. If you are more than 10 minutes late, your appointment will be rescheduled for a later date.