MRH Booster clinics huge success, several more planned
By Shelley Farrington Lincoln News • November 11, 2021
MILLINOCKET – Millinocket Regional Hospital Infection Preventionist Todd Phillips, RN, BSN, MPH didn’t really know what to expect as he planned the first of many COVID-19 booster clinics at Stearns Jr/Sr High School so when the line started forming at 2:30 (for a 3 p.m. start) he was excited to see the turnout. When the line extended down the school parking lot to the skating rink he began to think – “do I have enough vaccine?”
Ultimately the answer was no as the 400 doses for the three hour clinic were dispensed in an hour and a half. Phillips was overwhelmed by the turnout and the commitment of residents to keeping themselves and their community safe.
After scrambling to get the waiting crowd inside, Phillips said he told them how amazing it was that they came out to the clinic and if they weren’t able to get their shots that day that they come to the next clinic, Nov. 11 to try again.
“We are truly humbled by the interest of our community in the booster, as well as their dedication to keeping themselves and each other protected,” Phillips said. “We certainly learned a lot about how to do things better for the next clinic. We accept the constructive feedback we have received and look forward to seeing everyone in the coming weeks.”
Phillips and MRH have planned several booster clinics to cover the region at both Stearns and the Patten Fire Department for the next several weeks. The next clinics are Nov. 11 from 3-6 p.m. at Stearns and Nov. 12 in Patten.
He said the turnout for the Patten clinic was just as successful as all 200 doses taken to that were given out.
“We have a special relationship with the folks in Patten, which has been as a result of a truly grassroots effort by our partners in the community who have worked diligently to protect their neighbors, family, and friends,” Phillips said. “We were able to dedicate 200 doses to our first clinic and will have more to offer moving forward.”
Clinics continued on Thursday, Nov. 11 from 3-6 p.m. at Stearns:
- No appointment needed
- Quick in and out
- Clinics will be every Thursday (Nov. 11 & 18) at the Stearns Gym
- No phone calls or preregistration by MRH
Patten Fire Station Clinics continue on Friday, Nov. 12, 3-6 p.m. at the Patten Fire Station
- No appointment needed
- Quick in and out
- Clinics every Friday in November (Nov. 4, 12, 19 at the Fire Station
- No phone calls or registration by MRH
Citizens are asked to bring your vaccination card with you to the clinic. To ask COVID-19 questions email MRH at askCOVID@mrhme.org