WARRENSBURG — Western Missouri Medical Center will host what will likely be its last mass vaccination clinic in June.
While the clinic will be open to everyone still in need of the vaccine, WMMC is focusing on getting the vaccine to those in the 12-15 age range as the Pfizer vaccine was recently approved for use on these individuals.
The clinic will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 4 at First Baptist Church, 1302 S. Maguire St., Warrensburg. The second doses for these individuals will be administered on June 25 at First Baptist Church.
WMMC Express Care and Family Practice of Central Missouri — Warrensburg and Higginsville Practice Manager Justine Worley said the clinic will allow for walk-ins and appointments.
Worley said this is the first time WMMC has offered walk-ins at its vaccination clinics.
She said 500 Pfizer vaccines will be available to administer at the clinic.
Those wanting to schedule an appointment can call 660-262-7580 and choose option one.
Worley said those in the recently approved age range will go through the same administration process as those in the previously approved age ranges.
Worley has been heavily involved in the response to COVID-19 at WMMC since the start of the pandemic.
Worley said as this upcoming clinic will be the first to include individuals in the 12-15 age range, WMMC will have more staff on hand to assist in the administration process. She said the hospital wanted to have more staff to assist younger individuals if they are scared or nervous, as this could potentially increase the chances of passing out.
Worley said WMMC has vaccinated thousands of individuals since the vaccine rollout started.
Due to the recent decrease in individuals seeking out COVID-19 vaccinations, she said this upcoming clinic will likely be WMMC’s last mass vaccination event.
Worley said the hospital wanted to make a final push to get the local population vaccinated alongside the individuals in the recently approved age range.
“We want to make sure that everyone who wants to get vaccinated has the opportunity to get vaccinated,” Worley said.
As mass clinics hosted by WMMC are being phased out, the hospital has begun hosting smaller clinics at its facility.
Worley said the hospital is currently hosting these smaller clinics about once a week and those interested can register at wmmc.com or call 660-262-7580. Individuals can also contact their primary care provider to determine if there are any available clinics in the area.
She said these clinics are hosted in a conference room at the hospital. Two vaccinators along with other WMMC staff members handle the administration and paperwork process.
Worley said about 25 individuals have been vaccinated at each of these clinics so far. She also said the hospital can increase the number of vaccines given at these clinics if the need increases.
Worley said a goal for the hospital is to eventually have those wanting the vaccine be able to visit their primary care provider to receive vaccinations.
