Prisma Health today held a virtual press conference to update the public on their vaccine supply, vaccine mobile units, and minority outreach.
Dr. Saria Saccocio, Ambulatory Chief Medical Officer with Prisma Health and Co-chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, said that vaccine supply currently remains low. She further said Prisma has the capacity to give many more doses per day, but those cannot be given without a larger supply of the vaccine. For example, she reported Prisma requested 69,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for this week, but they will likely only receive approximately 20,000 doses.
As for vaccination appointments, Prisma suggests signing up for an appointment through MyChart and researching locations through prismahealth.org/vaccine. There are currently no walk-in appointments available for first dose vaccinations, but there are limited walk-in appointments for those who need a second dose.
Dr. Kerry Sease is overseeing mobile vaccine operations, which brings the vaccine directly to rural and underserved communities. Sease reports the mobile vaccine operation have three goals: to bring the vaccine to vulnerable communities who may face transportation barriers or other barriers; to help address ongoing education about vaccination availability and eligibility; and to organize community vaccination events.
Appointments are necessary for mobile vaccination events, although there will be limited walk-in access. Return appointments for the second dose will be scheduled at the time of the first dose.
Vince Ford, Senior Vice President of Community Affairs, addressed vaccine hesitancy and its hold on minority communities. Ford said Prisma has been conducting listening sessions with the Black community to understand why people do or do not want to take the vaccine. Much of the fear and hesitancy springs from issues in the past. Ford reports the goal of their listening program is to be aware of the community's questions so they are able to answer them and provide enough information for those considering vaccination.
