BANGOR, Maine — Maine’s first mass COVID-19 vaccination center opened up in Bangor Tuesday morning.
The Cross Insurance Center played host to 900 people who registered to get a vaccine.
Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) officials said despite the inclement weather, most people who had an appointment came to Tuesday’s clinic.
Dr. James Jarvis with Northern Light EMMC said if you had to reschedule your appointment due to the weather, you still have a dose of the vaccine assigned to you. To reschedule, call 207-204-8551.
People NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with at the Cross Center on Tuesday said the vaccination clinic was well organized and included a radio station with information to reduce wait time for everyone.
Dr. Jarvis said they were happy with the way the first day went despite the noreaster.
"The mood was good, people were excited. I will say it was a model of efficiency to get through," Jarvis said. "Most people were in the building under 30 minutes...they came through the door, went through the checkpoints, got their vaccine, waited there 15 minutes, and they [went] back outside in their car. And at no point did we have anybody waiting outside which [has] been great."
Despite the "successful" day, Dr. Jarvis said some changes will be made. "We are always trying to improve the process, so we do realize that from a staffing standpoint we did need to make some adjustments today. We realized that a lot of people were having difficulties just navigating getting in and out of their own vehicles so we will improve upon that.”
Northern Light Health tweeted late Tuesday afternoon, "What a great day! We administered 769 vaccines today on the first day of the Northern Light Health Bangor Vaccination Site at Cross Insurance Center! Thank you all for stepping up to stop the spread of COVID-19."
Jarvis said there are another 900 people registered for Thursday’s clinic. Folks who had to cancel their appointment on Tuesday will also be able to show up Thursday and get vaccinated.
Maine’s other mass vaccination site is at Scarborough downs and that one opens on Wednesday.