Memorial COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Passes 10,000 Doses

Media Contact: Tim Kershner, Director of Communications & Public Affairs
603-356-5461 ext. 2198
timothy.kershner@mainehealth.org

NORTH CONWAY, NH – What began with one needle pushed into one arm in late January recently passed a milestone.

The Memorial Hospital vaccine clinic administered its 10,000th dose of COVID-19 vaccine on April 8, 2021. In many ways, says Memorial's Emergency Preparedness Manager Will Owen, RN, it was just like the first dose. “The patient came for a scheduled appointment, checked in, was screened, sat in a pod and received his vaccine.” That patient was Jim Gilbert of Freedom, NH.

Owen adds that while the vaccination process “has become more routine,” the purpose has not with hospital staff and community volunteers working in the clinic to help change the course of the pandemic.

Memorial administers primarily the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, both requiring two does three to four weeks apart. That means more than 5,000 New Hampshire residents have visited the facility in the former Mt. Washington Observatory Discovery Center in North Conway to receive their shot.

Vaccinations are administered by appointment only through the New Hampshire registration systems of vaccines.nh.gov and the 211 call center. Owen credits the clinic staff for their efforts in reaching the 10,000 vaccines mark. Owen recalls the first few days of operation in late January saw about 120 people come through the clinic each day. “We were prepared to ramp up to about 240 vaccinations each day.” The Memorial clinic now regularly administers more than 300 vaccines each day. As allocations increased, appointments grew, vaccine guidance changed, and logistical lessons were learned, Owens says the staff continues to demonstrate the flexibility necessary to grow and change with the clinic and needs of the community.

Owen does not know how long the clinic will be needed and vaccine clinics throughout the state are beginning to prepare to transition to other vaccine distribution models if deemed necessary. Until that time, he encourages everyone to make an appointment (there are openings available at the Memorial site), and receive their vaccine. He expects hopes the Memorial COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic can continue to safely give 10,000 more injections.

All New Hampshire residents 16 and older can register for a vaccine appointment by visiting vaccines.nh.gov or by calling 211. Patients under 18 must also have parental consent to receive a vaccine.

 

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About Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit 25-bed Critical Access Hospital located in North Conway, NH, and is a member of the MaineHealth family. Its hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery center, clinical laboratory, heart health & wellness programs, imaging services, cardiopulmonary care, family birthing center, oncology, chemotherapy and infusion services. Practices include primary care and family medicine, diabetes care, behavioral health, women's health, podiatry, orthopedics and physical therapy. Memorial Hospital is also home to The Merriman House nursing home, which provides senior care services in a comfortable, home-like setting. For more information, www.memorialhospitalnh.org  or call 603-356-5461.