Citizens wanting vaccinations asked to sign up with MRH now
By Shelley Farrington Lincoln News • March 25, 2021
MILLINOCKET – Millinocket Regional Hospital staff celebrated the success of two more vaccination clinics last week – one that provided the second doses to more than 300 citizens and first doses to another 340 citizens. Each vaccinated individual brings the region one step closer to a return to some kind of normal, they said.
Last Friday’s clinic was extra special for staff including MRH Infection Preventionist Todd Phillips, RN, BSN, MPH as word came from the state CDC that the age for vaccination had been lowered to any Maine citizen aged 16 or over will be eligible beginning April 19.
“It makes me so happy to not have to say ‘no’ to anyone anymore,” Phillips said. “We’re asking anyone who wants to be vaccinated to please register with MRH’s vaccination call line or online.”
The next vaccination clinic is planned for Saturday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to noon where 300 first doses will be offered. Currently MRH is receiving Moderna vaccines.
MRH Marketing Coordinator Katie Mackin said since the hospital doesn’t control what is sent to them she doesn’t know if MRH will receive any of the Johnson and Johnson vaccines and encourages individuals to get the vaccine that is available to them.
It’s especially important that citizens of any age now register with the MRH call line at 723- 7225 or online at www.mrhme.org/getvax as soon as possible. The area must show a need in order to continue to receive vaccine. You do not need to be a patient of MRH or one of it’s physician’s practices to sign up.
“We want to continue to get citizens vaccinated,” Mackin said, “the loosening of the age requirements and the continued vaccine supply will allow us to reach all the people we know about. That being said, it’s extremely important to let us know and get on our list as soon as possible.”
Phillips add that in order to plan additional first shot clinics staff needs to know what kind of numbers it’s looking at. In order to get that people need to have registered.
“We cannot stress the importance of getting signed up,” Phillips said.