OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — On Friday, the Douglas County Department of Corrections held its first vaccine clinic. Two-hundred inmates received the Johnson & Johnson one-dose version of the vaccine.
Since the average length of stay for an inmate is four weeks, organizers said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the best choice for them.
The jail is prioritizing inmates with chronic health conditions and those who are older.
Director of Corrections Michael Myers said 90% of inmates walk back out into the community when they are released, so offering inmates the vaccine is a preventative measure for the community.
“We have housing units that hold anywhere from the mid-30s to the upper 60s of individuals in one living space so this is a high-risk environment no matter how much we do to try to mitigate the risk,” he said.
About 16% of Douglas County inmates were vaccinated Friday. The goal is to eventually be able to offer the vaccine to all inmates at intake.
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