Steve Marcus
Public safety workers prepare to get COVID-19 vaccinations at Cashman Field Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021. From left: Ray Anderson, a county water reclamation center mechanic; Dennis West, center, personnel director for the Urban Search and Rescue Nevada Task Force; and Jasmine Ghazinour, a Clark County Firecaptain.
By Hillary Davis (contact)
Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021 | 2 a.m.
Dennis West didnt feel the needle going into his upper arm, quickly learning that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was an easy and painless process.
West was one of about 1,000 Clark County officials who wereinoculated last week at the Cashman Center with their initial vaccine dose. Although a limited number of doses landed in Las Vegas a month ago for front-line health care professionals and nursing homes residents, last week marked the start of the broader second wave of inoculations with clinic megasites like Cashman.
Public safety workers and people over age 70 have first crack, along with other critical infrastructure and industry workers.
West, a supervisor with the Federal Emergency Management Agencys Vegas-based urban search-and-rescue team, was dually qualified to be at the forefront of the second wave of recipients, as a 73-year-old member of the public safety corps.
The more folks that do it, the more will feel free to do it, he said. Theyll come around.
Ray Anderson, a longtime maintenance mechanic for the Clark County Water Reclamation District, received a shot in a chair 6 feet to Wests right. Anderson, who is 64 and has a heart condition, wants to get the economy back to normal. Hes hoping this is the start of a better year.
The downtown Cashman Center is one of the key locations in the valley for mass COVID-19 testing. It also served as an isolation and quarantine facility for homeless people exposed to COVID-19 early on in the pandemic. A purposefully well-spaced vaccine line reached nearly to the parking lot off Maryland Parkway, but the scene was orderly as the snap of isopropyl alcohol scented the air.
Critical infrastructure and workers in some industries qualify to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Clark County. Heres a glance at those industries. A complete list is on the Southern Nevada Health District website.
Public safety and security
This group includes: Nevada Department of Corrections, law enforcement officers, public safety, national security, and state and local emergency operations staff
Front-line community support
This group includes: Educators and child care workers private and public schools, and those affiliated with the Nevada System of Higher Education; community front-line workers, including legal and social services, and workers who support food banks and shelters; essential public transportation such as Citizen Area Transit workers; mortuary services.
Front-line supply chain and logistics
This group includes workers in the grocery and supply chain of essential items, utilities and communications infrastructure, Nevada Department of Transportation, front-line airport workers and local road emergency personnel.
Front-line commerce and service
Food service and hospitality workers, hygiene products and service, and workers at credit institutions.
Front-line infrastructure
Construction workers and mining operations.
Others
College students living on campus or campus-sponsored apartments.
Im happy to see that Cashman can once again play a key role in helping our residents, said Las Vegas City Councilman Cedric Crear, whose district includes Cashman. Weve all been waiting for this. It is a long time coming.
Clark County Commission Chairwoman Marilyn Kirkpatrick said the site processed 300 people in less than four hours to start the day, and she expected 1,000 by days end. At full capacity, Cashman should see up to 4,000 recipients per day, health officials predict. Along with the Las Vegas Convention Center, another megasite expected to come online within a week or two, and other public clinics, the Health District anticipates distributing as many as 40,000 to 45,000 shots per week as the campaign ramps up.
Want to get one of them? Here are some pointers:
Before your appointment
Get in your lane. The county is accepting more residents through the states bifurcated lane system. Workers in certain essential industries, ranked by priority starting with public safety workers, occupy one lane, while the general public, starting with seniors age 70 and up, populates the other.
Book a spot online. For seniors and those in the priority worker groups, go to the Southern Nevada Health Districts online portal at http://covid.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/vaccine/distribution/ to make your appointment. This portal will put you in the queue at the health district headquarters or with a partner agency, which includes UNLV and other local universities and Henderson and North Las Vegas. Private pharmacies, such as Walgreens, are slated to start offering vaccines on Wednesday.
If youre not in one of the identified industries, and are 64 or younger without underlying health conditions, you can preregister online.
Keep your appointment. This helps with planning. Because the vaccines have sensitive storage and handling needs, and are released in limited batches, authorities want to ensure none go to waste once vials are taken out of the freezers and punctured.
Appointments are also important for crowd management.
If you take the time to make an appointment please show up, because were relying on you to be there, Kirkpatrick said. Theres a reason why were limiting them, because we know how many clients that weve got to see in that timeframe to make sure that we do not waste any vaccines.
At your appointment
Bring the following: Government-issued photo identification; proof of current employment in a priority industry, such as an employee badge or pay stub; and an insurance card if you have one. Though there is no out-of-pocket cost and the health district is not currently collecting insurance information, it may in the future, said JoAnn Rupiper, the health districts director of clinical services.
Here are the steps youll go through once you get to the head of the line:
Youll be given a brief questionnaire that gathers demographic information and asks, among other things, if youve ever had a severe allergic reaction to anything or previously had COVID-19.
You will then be seated. Once your row of seats fills up, a team of vaccinators will roll over a cart with the vials and syringes.
Roll up your sleeve and receive the shot. Its as quick as a flu shot.
Remain seated for 15 minutes for observation.
After that, youre good to leave.
You will receive a CDC-issued card as proof that you have received your first dose. Do not lose this card. It contains the pertinent details of your vaccine, plus serves as a reminder for your second dose.
All vaccine recipients must leave their vehicles. There are no drive-thru clinics at this time. The health district is working on accommodations for people with disabilities, including mobility and cognitive issues.
After your appointment
Be aware that you may feel some mild side effects, including muscle soreness, tiredness, low fever, chills and headache. These are indications that your body is building up protection against COVID-19. They should pass in a few days.
Return for your second dose even if you experience side effects, unless your doctor or vaccinator tells you not to. Current vaccines need two doses to be fully effective. The second shot should come three to four weeks after the first, depending on the manufacturer.
Consider signing up for free text messaging reminders. The CDC-endorsed VaxText sends out weekly text reminders for your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine and a reminder if you are overdue. Text ENROLL to 1-833-VaxText (829-8398) to opt in.
You can also register with v-safe, the CDCs combination health checker and reminder tool. The voluntary program sends daily and then weekly texts asking how youre feeling. This allows the CDC to gather data on side effects. Register online at vsafe.cdc.gov or by scanning the code on the flyer provided with your vaccine.
Continue to wear a mask in public and keep up the physical distancing and hand-washing.
Its important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions, the CDC says.
Link:
What to expect when you get your COVID vaccine in Las Vegas - Las Vegas Sun
- Police K-9s in Las Vegas return to duty after being exposed to illegal drugs - NBC Montana - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Las Vegas man sentenced to 20 years in prison for mailing fentanyl, nearly killing Utah man - KLAS - 8 News Now - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Las Vegas-bound Southwest flight grounded due to engine fire - ABC News - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Police K-9s in Las Vegas return to duty after being exposed to illegal drugs - ABC St. Louis - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- The history of the Tropicana Las Vegas, closing after 67 years - The Associated Press - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- This Low-cost Airline Just Launched a New Route to Las Vegas With $57 Flights - Travel + Leisure - April 8th, 2024 [April 8th, 2024]
- Las Vegas Police make arrest in connection with burglary of UNLV shooting victims home - Fox 5 Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Super Bowl 2024: A Guide to Celebrity Parties and Events in Las Vegas - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting breaks out in northwest Las Vegas valley apartment - News3LV - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- A few more thoughts about the proposed Oakland As move to Las Vegas - Bleed Cubbie Blue - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- A's and Las Vegas: Separating Fact From Fiction - Sports Illustrated - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Las Vegas Reddit Bachelor Party Thread Turns Into Chaos - Outkick - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Las Vegas use within limits as water shortage shifts to Tier 1; snowpack lags behind last year - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Read 'Em And Weep: Las Vegas Gets Its Own Nike Air Force 1 - Sneaker News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Kelly Clarkson Guest of Honor Couple Married at Her Las Vegas Show - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- 1-2-3 and counting: Las Vegas weddings could hit record on New Year's Eve thanks to date's pattern - The Associated Press - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Man on video attacking Las Vegas judge was granted probation multiple times, once by same judge - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Absolutely Wild Video Shows Felon Assaulting Las Vegas Judge in Flying Leap Over Bench - Yahoo Entertainment - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Man Arrested in Las Vegas After Wife's Body Is Discovered at Pa. Home - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Idaho man arrested for stealing plane in North Las Vegas and flying to Barstow - KABC-TV - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- North Las Vegas woman allegedly shot at neighbors, killing pastor, after they reported her to HOA - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- REPORT: Accused gunman 'fired 71 shots', caused $100K+ in damage to hotel room - KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Oregon man fired 71 shots, caused over $100K in damage at Las Vegas hotel on New Years Eve, police say - Fox 12 Oregon - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- WWE Star Shotzi Wrestles in Her Wedding Dress After 'Very Spontaneous' Las Vegas Elopement: 'What a Wild Night!' - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Dad of 7 Killed in Las Vegas Carjacking: 'We Were Supposed to Grow Old Together,' Mourns Widow - PEOPLE - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Man accused of shooting near Las Vegas Strip hotel did not appear in court - Yahoo! Voices - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Attorney for Las Vegas 13-year-old arrested in fatal beating of classmate questions murder charge - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Accused Las Vegas New Years Eve shooter to be held on $500,000 bail - Fox 5 Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Husband arrested in Las Vegas after wife found shot to death in Uniontown - CBS News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- North Las Vegas police identify participants in deadly New Years Eve officer-involved shooting - Fox 5 Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- The Fontainebleau Las Vegas Opens with a Star-Studded Fte SURFACE - Surface Magazine - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Its sad that it happens, Retired Las Vegas judge says courtroom attacks are not far-fetched - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Husband arrested at Las Vegas casino after wife found dead on New Year's Day - Fox News - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Arrest report on North Las Vegas plane theft suspect released - Fox 5 Las Vegas - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- Broncos Notebook: QB Jarrett Stidham 'excited to be back' in Las Vegas, eager to help Broncos earn win vs. former team - DenverBroncos.com - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- North Las Vegas police body cam video of deadly New Year's Eve officer-involved shooting - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 4th, 2024 [January 4th, 2024]
- The 17 Best Things to do in Las Vegas, Nevada - Lonely Planet - April 19th, 2023 [April 19th, 2023]
- Human remains revealed by shrinking Lake Mead identified half a century ... - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- FBI documents reveal details about Las Vegas mass shooter including possible motive that led to 60 people dying - KLAS - 8 News Now - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- Las Vegas casinos, tourism got a big boost in 2022 - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Actor Nathan Chasing Horse accused of raping, physically abusing multiple girls for years in Las Vegas-based cult - KLAS - 8 News Now - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Woman accused of stealing over $100K in cash, chips, other items from Las Vegas hotel room - News3LV - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Snowy Monday in Las Vegas led to closures and delays, wind advisory in ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Las Vegas weather for Monday, Jan. 30, 2023 | Las Vegas Review-Journal - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Massive Las Vegas Strip Project Faces Another Major Setback - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Nearly 39 million visitors made their way to Las Vegas in 2022 - News3LV - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Driver who killed 9 going 103 mph in Las Vegas-area crash was repeatedly stopped for speeding; on paper, he was a bad parker - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Report: Las Vegas ranked 4th best city for kid-friendly vacations - News3LV - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- New Las Vegas Hotel For Cannabis Lovers Joins Worlds Largest Dispensary - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Man accused of murder after body found in car trunk extradited to Las Vegas - News3LV - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Jennifer Lopez Says Wedding Planning Stress and 'PTSD' Led to Ben Affleck Suggesting Their Las Vegas Wedding - Entertainment Tonight - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Man accused of murdering business partner, leaving body in trunk, returns to Las Vegas - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Las Vegas man hit, tried to stab victim with broken beer bottle in early-morning bar dispute: police - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- You said you killed someone, Las Vegas police find text messages leading to murder suspect in robbery gone wrong - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Las Vegas woman suspected of DUI was headed to methadone clinic when she allegedly struck, killed bicyclist - KLAS - 8 News Now - January 19th, 2023 [January 19th, 2023]
- Las Vegas police located a man dead from gunshot wound in central valley - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Travelers at Las Vegas airport frustrated by lack of communication during flight delays, cancellations - Fox 5 Las Vegas - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- For the first time in a long time, New Years Eve party threatened by rain - Las Vegas Review-Journal - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Where To Ring in NYE in Las Vegas and Catch Gwen Stefani, Bruno Mars, Kevin Hart, Pitbull and More Performers - Hollywood Reporter - December 28th, 2022 [December 28th, 2022]
- Las Vegas Hotels, Shows, Things to Do, Restaurants & Maps - December 23rd, 2022 [December 23rd, 2022]
- Non-profit that received scrutiny after bailing out man who shot Chinatown waiter ceases Las Vegas operations - KLAS - 8 News Now - December 23rd, 2022 [December 23rd, 2022]
- A City Within A City, The Resorts World Las Vegas Is Sin Citys Most Elegantly Designed Complex - Forbes - December 23rd, 2022 [December 23rd, 2022]
- Las Vegas woman convicted of killing 5-year-old while babysitting gets life in prison - News3LV - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- 2 women identified, charged in North Las Vegas suspected DUI crash claiming the lives of 2 toddlers - Fox 5 Las Vegas - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- None of this had to happen: 1 family died in a crash. Another is lucky to be alive. - Las Vegas Review-Journal - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- Woman accused of kidnapping, cutting womans face with box cutter at Las Vegas Burger King - Fox 5 Las Vegas - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- Tickets on sale now for new immersive Disney experience coming to Las Vegas Strip - News3LV - December 16th, 2022 [December 16th, 2022]
- Las Vegas driver accused of killing a man, and critically injuring his father near busy intersection - KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas - November 11th, 2022 [November 11th, 2022]
- Report: Las Vegas ranked 5th most romantic city in the US - News3LV - November 11th, 2022 [November 11th, 2022]
- Las Vegas police: Ex-McDonalds employee fired for fighting customer returned to shoot other employee in head - KLAS - 8 News Now - November 11th, 2022 [November 11th, 2022]
- Harrowing film tells of Las Vegas shooting and its aftermath - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Grasshoppers in Las Vegas; the good, the bad, the weird - KLAS - 8 News Now - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- City of Las Vegas loses third case in battle over Badlands - KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Las Vegas dolphin attraction closed after third mammal death - The Guardian US - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- What to do in Las Vegas this week (September 29-October 5 edition) - Las Vegas Weekly - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- City of Las Vegas water crisis averted with new treatment system - KRQE News 13 - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Las Vegas PRIDE events celebrating LGBTQ communities to be held in first week of October - KLAS - 8 News Now - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- California man arrested in connection with threats at Las Vegas bank - Las Vegas Review-Journal - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Las Vegas parolee accused of committing series of burglaries with stolen car - KLAS - 8 News Now - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]
- Raiders Have Never Started 0-3 and Made Playoffs - Sports Illustrated - September 29th, 2022 [September 29th, 2022]