Vernon Booster Shot Clinics Proving To Be Popular

VERNON, CT — For the second time in two weeks, residents of the region flocked to Center 375 in Vernon to get a coronavirus vaccine booster in time for the holidays.

Last week, at a similar clinic, 446 vaccines were administered. Wednesday's clinic cruised along at the same pace. For example, just an hour into the clinic, more than 60 walk-ins had shown up. BY day's end, 600 doses were given out.

Appointments were also being taken.

One person taking advantage of the clinic was University of Connecticut Media Relations Manager Stephanie Reitz, who came to Vernon from her office at Storrs. Reitz cited the convenience and quickness as one factor.

In addition to the the holidays, those seeking the booster shots cited the omicron and delta variants raging their ways through Connecticut as a reason for getting the booster shots.

The booster shots have been administered by Priority Urgent Care with no out-of-pocket costs.

Only booster shots were offered at the clinic, which was open to all eligible people 18 and older.

Those who received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines more than six months ago and people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago were eligible to receive a booster, officials said.

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were offered Wednesday.