Community clinics will likely be scheduled around Douglas County once vaccines for kids ages 0-4 are approved, public health officials said Monday.

Vaccines may be approved by May, although the timeline remains uncertain, said Sonia Jordan, director of informatics for Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health.

Moderna and Pfizer still must receive federal approval before vaccines for young kids can be administered.

Jordan also provided an update to the Health Board on COVID-19 mitigation efforts in the county. As of Friday, the average daily new case count was about 25, for an average positivity rate of roughly 14%. 

“Our hospitalizations have been staying stable,” Jordan said. “So, that’s very encouraging.”

Jordan added there is a fourth shot, or second booster, available for those over 50. She said it’s likely there will be a drive-thru vaccine clinic in the parking lot of LMH Health. 

Board member Erica Hill thanked Jordan and her team for their work during the pandemic and their efforts to tackle community inequities surrounding public health. The team that Jordan leads has been largely responsible for updating data related to COVID-19 transmission in Douglas County. 

“You don’t just look at inequities, you actually put forth actionable items to eliminate those gaps, and I want to send my gratitude for your work,” Hill said.

In other business, Shanda Hurla was honored for her work after serving as the Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health Board chair for the past year.

The position now goes to Verdell Taylor, with Erika Dvorske serving as vice-chair. Hurla will continue to serve on the board for another three-year term. 

Taylor thanked Hurla for her work over the past year. 

“It’s just been really great working with you the past year,” Taylor said. “I know I’m going to call upon you for additional help as Erika Dvorske and I go through and get our feet wet, even though we have been in similar positions in the past. It’s a team, and I thank you for that portion of the teamwork you’ve done.”

Public Health Director Dan Partridge said he appreciates how closely Hurla has worked with the community to spread awareness about public health issues.

Hurla said she is grateful she was asked to be on the board three years ago. 

“I grew up in a small town, and I’ve always had a passion for being able to provide that link [between communities],” Hurla said. 

John Nalbandian, a professor emeritus at the University of Kansas, and Dr. Graig Nickel, medical director of KU’s Watkins Health Services, were also appointed to the board. 

Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]