MILLERSBURG — Pomerene Hospital received its first direct allocation of 100 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and administered them Tuesday to front line health care staff who face the greatest risk of exposure to the virus. Nursing staff, respiratory therapists, emergency department personnel, laboratory technicians, phlebotomists and other employees who are involved with direct patient care were vaccinated. "I am very pleased for Pomerene's front line staff to be given access to the COVID-19 vaccine.” said Jason Justus, CEO of Pomerene Hospital. “Our entire team of care givers deserve the opportunity to receive the added safety and health protection the vaccine provides for themselves, their families, and our patients. I am optimistic the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine will be a turning point for our organization, our community, and for the state of Ohio."