Date: 3/10/2021
CHICOPEE – He has the location and the people needed in place to begin vaccinations in the city. The only thing Mayor John Vieau doesn’t have is the vaccine.
Vieau announced on March 2 the city is ready to administer vaccinations for the coronavirus but the Commonwealth of Massachusetts would rather have the residents of the city use the state-run site at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield.
In getting vaccine for a Chicopee site, Vieau said the city has been asked to be patient. He added that by the end of April vaccines should be available, based on projections made by the state and federal governments.
He said that creating a vaccine clinic has been “an enormous undertaking” for the city’s Vaccine Task Force.
The city is collaborating with Holyoke, Granby and South Hadley with this effort. The Nursing Department of American International College and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department are also assisting.
Fire Chief Daniel Stamborski said there are 40 EMTs in the department who are taking the training to administer the vaccine.
City officials have been speaking to the management of the Castle of Knights for the large location.
The mayor said his office has received many phone calls from people who were seeking assistance in booking an appointment at the Eastfield Mall site. He called the situation “very frustrating” for the mayor’s staff, the staff of the Council on Aging and the library staff who have been helping people.
Noting the recent changes made in the state’s appointment system, Vieau said, “It was nearly impossible to get someone an appointment.”
There is a current waiting list of 2,000 people who would like to receive the inoculation in the city.
Health Director Lisa Sanders said the city is prepared to have a site that would serve 750 people a day five days a week.
“Once we get this vaccine at hand we can get it into the arms of the people who need it,” she added.
Vieau said there is now a plan being developed to vaccinate seniors and others who are homebound. To get on this list, people should call the Council on Aging at 534-3698, the mayor advised.
Police Lt. Holly Davis spoke about several Medicare and Social Security phone scams that have been seen targeting elders and urged them not to give anyone their Social Security numbers.
“When in doubt, just hang up,” she advised.