By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Hays City Commissioner Shaun Musil signed up Thursday to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from the Ellis County Health Department as he becomes eligible.
"It only took me five minutes," he said at the end of last night's city commission meeting.
Musil thanked the health department, First Care Clinic and HaysMed for working together to roll out the vaccine to the public in the state's Phase 2 plan.
Musil said he has a friend who works at First Care Clinic where "they're putting in lots of effort and time" to get the vaccines out for people who've signed up.
"He told me they're getting the vaccines out as soon as possible. I've seen people on Facebook complaining on why they haven't got theirs yet," Musil said.
He encouraged residents to sign up and to be patient.
The Ellis County Commission recently approved an agreement with Big Creek Crossing for space in the former Gordmans location to be used as a mass vaccination clinic. It opened Tuesday.
The Ellis County Health Department has an online sign up form for people who wish to receive the vaccine. You can call the health department at 785-628-9440 to get registered if you don't have internet access.
Outlying clinics, such as HaysMed, also have their own lists, according to Ellis County Health Services Director Jason Kennedy.
Hays Public Library is providing assistance for residents without computers to register online.
In addition to the health benefits, Musil said he also believes the vaccine rollout is finally beginning to help improve retail sales in Hays.
Musil and his wife, Heather, own the downtown Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market.
"I had a couple from Norton in my store the other day who had gotten their second shots.
"It was the first time they had been out to a business since March and they decided to come to Hays.
Musil acknowledged some people do not plan to be vaccinated against the coronavirus but added "a lot of people are excited to have it. I think it's good for our community."