WILLIAMSBURG — A few lucky patients in the 1b phase of the COVID-19 vaccination distribution were able to able to receive a dose at Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center.
According to a news release from Mar. 17, 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine were allotted to Olde Towne through Riverside Doctors’ Hospital Williamsburg. The vaccines were given to qualifying patients per distribution guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health.
The center serves residents who are uninsured and underinsured as well as those who are covered by commercial insurance. Many of the clinic’s patients have chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, making them at higher risk for complications if they
were to contract the COVID-19 virus.
It is uncertain how many more vaccines the center will be able to get and when they will get them.
“We don’t know when but we do hope to get more vaccines,” said Michelle Williams, spokesperson for Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center.
Williams said that the clinic is not included as a designated “vaccination station.” In order to qualify as one, the center would have to be able to administer hundreds of doses on a consistent basis.
However, the center plays a critical role in getting vaccines to underserved populations in our community.
“What we’re trying to do is track different groups in the population and stay ahead of the game,” Williams said.
According to the news release, the staff contacted patients who qualified in the 1b phase and offered the vaccine through a very efficient and successful series of appointments. The patients receiving the vaccines were automatically set up for the second dose within the necessary timeframe for completion.
In a statement, Executive Director of Olde Towne, Aaron Thompson, said, “Olde Towne is very pleased to be able to offer the vaccine to many of our patients. Our ability to help increase the number of vaccinated people against the virus makes a healthier community for us all. The success of Olde Towne for improving the health of our patients is paramount to our mission to assure access to quality health and wellness care to the residents and workforce of the greater Williamsburg community.”
Williams added that nearly the entire staff at the center have already received their vaccines.
For interest in what services are provided at Olde Towne, please contact the center or
visit www.oldetownemedicalcenter.org.
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