To help further plans for COVID-19 vaccine distribution, all members of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln community who live in Lancaster County and are 65 or older or have underlying, high-risk health issues should register with the local health department.

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department launched an online registration tool on Jan. 19. The site allows individuals to enter basic information, which will be used to contact people when the vaccine is available.

Currently, the county is vaccinating individuals in Phase 1A, which includes health care providers and long-term care center residents. The local vaccination clinics are being held in Pinnacle Bank Arena. Other large venues, such as the Lancaster Event Center, may also be used in the future.

Vaccinations for Phase 1B are expected to begin in early February. Those include individuals who are 65 or older, those with certain underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and essential workers. Details will be announced.

County health officials have stressed that the vaccination process will take time and are asking residents to continue to follow safety protocols, including the use of facial coverings, maintaining social distancing, washing hands, and avoiding crowded places, close contact and confined spaces.

Details on the local vaccine distribution process are available here.