{"id":172178,"date":"2021-04-28T16:35:42","date_gmt":"2021-04-28T20:35:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/?p=172178"},"modified":"2021-04-28T16:35:42","modified_gmt":"2021-04-28T20:35:42","slug":"meeting-people-where-they-are-to-provide-covid-vaccinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/2021\/04\/meeting-people-where-they-are-to-provide-covid-vaccinations\/","title":{"rendered":"Meeting People Where They are to Provide COVID Vaccinations"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the ongoing effort to bring the vaccine to communities and people in socially vulnerable areas, Connecticut opened the country\u2019s first FEMA Mobile Vaccination Unit (MVU) on March 29. UConn Health was chosen along with three other health systems to provide clinical oversight and staffing to support the MVU.\u00a0 This initiative is in partnership with FEMA, Connecticut\u2019s Governor\u2019s Office, and the Department of Public Health.<\/p>\n

UConn Health is deploying the MVU in four towns throughout Eastern Connecticut for nine days beginning today in East Hartford.\u00a0 The MVU will later travel to the towns of Killingly, Windham\/Willimantic, and Norwich as part of a large-scale vaccine campaign to bring the vaccine to under-served communities and reduce any barriers to receiving the vaccine.<\/p>\n

Locations are based on the Center of Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index, the U.S. Census Bureau’s Community Resilience Estimates, low vaccine coverage, metrics, and other barriers to vaccine access.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt UConn Health we are deeply committed to addressing health disparities and increasing access to health care.\u00a0 In fact, as the state\u2019s only public academic medical center, these are among our core values,\u201d says Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health. \u201cWe are proud to be part of this federal mobile vaccination unit initiative that will make a real difference in getting the vaccine to individuals and communities that have underserved populations.\u201d<\/p>\n

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East Hartford officials including, State Representative Henry Genga, State Senator Saud, Mayor Marcia Leclerc, Town Council Member Awet Tsegai and Anne Horbatuck, UConn Health<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the first day of the vaccine unit, East Hartford officials including, Mayor Marcia Leclerc, State Senator Saud Anwar, State Representative Henry Genga, and Town Council Member Awet Tsegai came out to tour and see the vaccination unit in action.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a blessing with the assistance of FEMA and the State of Connecticut, UConn Health is coming to the people and setting up in the community to make it convenient for our residents to get vaccinated and defeat this terrible disease,\u201d says Genga.<\/p>\n

Throughout the day a steady stream of those with appointments and without came to get vaccinated.<\/p>\n

East Hartford resident Yiovannie stated, \u201cI was a hard \u2018NO\u2019 on getting the vaccine, even last night, this morning I saw a flyer in my apartment community about this site and realized how easy it would be.\u201d\u00a0 She felt something come over her and she and her four-year-old came down and were the first in line for the vaccine. \u201cIt went so smoothly and I am all set up for my second appointment. I’m so pleased I’m going to get my sister and bring her too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe vaccine saves lives,\u201d says Senator Anwar, who is also a doctor.\u00a0 \u201cWe need to recognize that this virus multiplies and mutates.\u00a0 Getting the vaccine is a benefit to society and the state, if you haven\u2019t yet, please get vaccinated,\u201d he urges.<\/p>\n

UConn Health is engaging its students and other trainees to help with this mobile vaccination initiative.\u00a0 Students and faculty members from the UConn Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and in our Public Health Sciences department, as well as our medical and dental residents, are volunteering to support the FEMA Mobile Vaccine Unit.<\/p>\n

The Pfizer vaccine will be given to all those aged 16 and up who have not been vaccinated yet. Those who are 16 and 17 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. An appointment for the second dose will be made on the day of your first vaccination. Eligible individuals are strongly encouraged to make an advance appointment by calling UConn Health\u2019s dedicated Mobile Vaccination Unit Scheduling Line at 860-679-6547. The phone line is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

The mobile unit is prepared to vaccinate 400 people per day. Appointments are strongly encouraged but walk-ups are welcome.<\/p>\n

UConn Health is partnering with East Hartford, Killingly, Willimantic, and Norwich for the following dates and locations:<\/p>\n

April 28 and 29 \u2013 936 Silver Lane, East Hartford (the former Showcase Cinemas)<\/p>\n

April 30 and May 1 \u2013Killingly Commons 581 Hartford Pike, Dayville, CT, 06421<\/p>\n

May 2 -Elks Lodge #1311, 198 Pleasant Street, Willimantic, CT 06226<\/p>\n

May 3 and 4 – Regional Fire School, 1 Fire School Road, Willimantic, CT 06226<\/p>\n

May 5 and 6 – St Mary Church, 70 Central Ave, Norwich<\/p>\n

Visit UConn Health<\/a> for more information on easy, free access to get a vaccine.<\/p>\n