St. Anthony Regional Hospital President and CEO, Ed Smith, has estimated well over half of Carroll County residents have already been vaccinated. He says the rollout has gone better than he could have hoped.
Carroll County Public Health is hosting a mass vaccination clinic today (Thursday) at the former Edge 2 location in the Westgate Mall in Carroll. Organizers announced yesterday (Wednesday) they were opening the clinic to walk-ins after nearly 700 appointments went unfilled. Smith says this likely a good indication that a large percentage of the population is already inoculated.
Smith adds the challenge now is reaching out to those who may be on the fence about the COVID-19 vaccines. By making it easier to get a shot, health officials are hoping more people will be willing to be vaccinated. Smith says they have staff available to answer any safety questions individuals might still have.
Smith adds there is reason to be optimistic, but he stresses the importance of continuing to practice mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing. Walk-ins will be accepted until 6 p.m. or until available doses are all distributed. People are asked to bring a copy of their private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid cards with them. However, there is no charge to patients who receive the vaccine.
