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Despite last-minute switch, NC vax clinic went smoothly

Despite last-minute switch, NC vax clinic went smoothly
The North Canaan FEMA COVID-19 vaccination clinic was a success, providing nearly 500 Pfizer inoculations to area residents on Wednesday, April 14. 
Photo by Cynthia Hochswender

NORTH CANAAN — Plans for a FEMA COVID-19 vaccination clinic at North Canaan Town Hall went ahead without a hitch on Wednesday, April 14, despite the announcement the day before that the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine would be temporarily unavailable in the U.S.

The FEMA clinic had been planned around the single shots. The FDA had put a temporary pause on distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because some people had experienced blood clots after receiving their shot.

The clinic went on in spite of the change; Pfizer shots were administered instead.

In all, 483 shots were administered. The medical personnel were from Griffin Hospital in Derby, Conn., administering the shots and handling the computer data. 

National Guard troops took care of setting up the facility and served in the reception area, distributing necessary paperwork and keeping things running smoothly.  

“It went tremendously well,” North Canaan First Selectman Charles Perotti commented the next day. The decision to switch to the Pfizer vaccine was made on Tuesday, April 13. A team arrived that night to set up the vaccination facility, including a trailer and tents, ready to open the next morning.

Perotti marveled at the efficiency of the operation. Three vaccination stations were in operation; eight people could be served at a time.

In answer to concerns about how the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be delivered, Perotti said he was told on Thursday, April 15, that the FEMA trailer will return to the Town Hall parking lot to administer second doses. Griffin Hospital will arrange the appointments.

Perotti was joined by North Canaan Emergency Management Director Dinnie Light; both were present for the duration, to offer the town’s help if needed.

“We could not have asked for a better day,” Perotti said, speaking of the spring-like weather and the clinic in general.

Leila Hawken

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