After delay, second-dose vaccines are to be administered on Saturday

The Hull Board of Health received a delivery of second-dose vaccines from the state on Monday, following the disappointing news of the postponement of last Saturday’s clinic at the Mary Jeanette Murray Bath House because the promised doses had not arrived on time.

Another clinic is scheduled for this Saturday, March 13, at the same location for those who were not able to get their second dose last weekend. Public Health Director Joyce Sullivan said that those whose vaccinations were postponed last weekend will receive an email with the updated information. 

“People were getting very nervous, and rightly so, when they heard the clinic had to be postponed,” said Sullivan, a registered nurse. “Some were able to get second doses elsewhere. But some seniors [and others] aren’t able to do that. 

“We received questions from people who had planned to drive someone to the clinic, asking when the new date would be in Hull so that they could take the day off to drive them to a clinic where the vaccine is available if necessary.”

Social distancing and other COVID-19 health and safety protocols are followed at all of Hull’s clinics.

“We ask people to wait outside until their appointment time, and then they come inside,” Sullivan said. “Everyone is separated. Those who receive vaccinations need to be monitored for 15 minutes after they receive the vaccine. [Hull Fire Department] paramedics are available to do that.”

Sullivan said a new state program places emphasis on helping to get those who are homebound vaccinated, with both first and second doses, either by the state or through a local community clinic.

Although the state is no longer providing local communities with first-dose vaccines, due in part to limited supplies and a focus on first providing vaccines to mass-vaccination sites and regional clinics, it has committed to providing second-dose vaccines for individuals who already received their first dose through a Hull or other South Shore municipal clinic. 

Also, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced recently that vaccine appointments are available at CVS pharmacies across the state through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. 

Sullivan said she and her team will continue to keep residents informed as more information about vaccines becomes available.

The state’s Vaccine Finder website (vaxfinder.mass.gov) allows residents to search for vaccine sites and to schedule appointments.

Visit www.cvs.com to schedule an appointment.