(KAIR)--Four Atchison County area health organizations are working together in an effort to provide what’s being called “mass COVID vaccination events for northeast Kansas residents.”

According to a news release issued Tuesday, the joint initiative, called NEK Shot of Hope, “provides COVID vaccine planning and administration for northeast Kansas communities through a collaborative effort by Amberwell Health, Atchison County Emergency Management, Atchison Community Health Clinic, and the Atchison County Health Department.”

The release says mass vaccination events are being organized to begin when Phase 2 of the Kansas vaccination plan is activated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, with the second phase to include vaccinations for all who are 65-years of age, or older, those in congregate settings, high contact critical workers, and those scheduled for vaccination under Phase 1, but have not yet received the vaccine.

Atchison County area vaccination event dates are not yet set, and will depend on when the vaccine is distributed to local health organizations. Once that happens, the vaccination events will be open to all who qualify for a vaccine during Phase 2, regardless of county of residence.

The release notes that area residents are encouraged to complete an online Vaccine Interest Survey, which is now available, which will “help NEK Shot of Hope plan the upcoming mass vaccination events.”

The survey, which the release calls “a planning tool to help organize vaccine administration,” includes screening questions to determine when those who complete the survey may receive a vaccination. When they complete the survey, those names will be “added to an email list to receive notifications when vaccines are available.” However, the release clarifies that the survey “is a planning tool to help organize vaccine administration and does not guarantee that survey respondents will receive vaccine.”

The survey is available here. 

The Benedictine Sisters of Mount Saint Scholastica have volunteered the use of the main buildings of the Sophia Center in Atchison for the forthcoming vaccination events, with the release explaining that vaccines will be administered at that site, located at 751 South 8th Street, by licensed nurses from Amberwell Health, the Atchison Community Health Clinic, and the Atchison County Health Department.

Both appointment-based and open walk-in events will be available on specific dates, not yet determined.

According to the release, “multiple vaccination opportunities will be offered in various locations in the area as phases are activated and vaccines are made available from KDHE.”