Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 4/27/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Big E West of the River Regional Collaborative Vaccine Site launched April 20 at 12 p.m., where hundreds of residents received their first dose of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine.
“It’s been good, we had so many great people here with all the communities together it’s been collaborative, and the staff has been great. Everyone who has come here has been happy and taken care of, then we send them on their way with their second appointment. So, from the staff here to the patients who come in everyone is just amazing,” Chief of Operations for West Springfield Carly Camossi said.
The appointments last between 30 to 45 minutes. Patients also have the option to come back to the site after 28 days for their second dose of the Moderna vaccine. The staff is encouraging everyone to make a second appointment before they leave.
There was a record of 340 to 365 vaccines given out on the first and second day. Camossi stated there would be 300 shots a day next week with a supply of 1,500 for the week.
Massachusetts receives a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the federal government each week, due to high demand and very limited supply. All clinics are contingent upon weekly vaccine allotment through the MA Department of Public Health. Should there be an allotment change or shipping issue, clinics will be required to postpone on short notice. The site is open to all Massachusetts residents and no one will be denied a vaccine for lack of insurance.
The vaccination site, located at the transportation building near Gate 1, will be open until Aug. 20, but Camossi hopes that everyone will have the opportunity to get vaccinated by mid-July.
There are appointments released every Wednesday and Friday. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are required for this site and the staff encourages people to get online on those days to schedule and check in the days after for open availability due to appointment cancellations. You can sign up and find all the vaccine information at www.townofwestspringfield.org/vaccine.