MRH booster clinics scaled back to monthly, local vaccination rates good
By Shelley Farrington Lincoln News • January 27, 2022
KATAHDIN REGION – Since last fall, Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) has hosted several weekly COVID Booster clinics at Stearns Jr. – Sr. High School continuing its mission to get the Katahdin region community vaccinated and boosted. The clinics have been well attended and by all accounts well-received by community members.
Lately the booster clinics have been experiencing a steady decline in those coming to get shots as more and more people are vaccinated and boosted so MRH officials have decided to reduce the number of Moderna booster clinics to one a month.
“After Wednesday’s clinic (on Jan. 26) we will be shifting our Moderna booster clinic schedule to once a month,” said MRH Marketing Coordinator Katie Mackin. “We’ve been offering weekly clinics since November and we’ve noticed the volume has dropped dramatically over the last few weeks.”
Mackin added that officials believe many of those who are vaccinated and are eligible for a booster have received them (if they wanted them) so the need for weekly clinics has lessened.
“Moving to a once a month schedule appears to suit the needs of the community while also being the best use of our resources,” Mackin continued.
Mackin said MRH will announce when the monthly clinics will be held after talking with school officials and determining the best day to offer them each months. Readers can check the Katahdin Region News, the MRH website and Facebook page for the latest updates.
Community members can also still get first and second doses of the Moderna vaccine at the walk-in clinic in East Millinocket by appointment only. Appointments can be made online at mrhme.org/getvax. Mackin said booster doses are only being offered at the public booster clinics with no appointment needed.
Anyone with questions or wanting more information on COVID can also submit questions to askCOVID@mrhme.org or contact your local health care provider.