HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Hartford HealthCare has launched a mobile COVID-19 vaccination effort with its first mobile clinic set up Friday at the Open Hearth Shelter in Hartford.
The mobilization of the COVID-19 vaccine allows Hartford HealthCare to reach the most vulnerable populations in Connecticut by coordinating with community leaders.
Hartford HealthCare has the capabilities to mobilize the vaccine after doing the same with COVID-19 testing, Chief Clinical Integration Officer Dr. James Cardon said.
However, Cardon said due to the supply of vaccines, a more coordinated and controlled system has been implemented within the clinic through required appointments and an easy check-in process.
During the appointment, a person will get the vaccine, Cardon said, "and then we need to observe them for 15 minutes afterwards to ensure that they are safe and have no adverse reactions. That process is all controlled and timed. We then have every person who gets a vaccine schedule for their follow-up vaccine depending on which brand they have."
On Friday, the healthcare system delivered 136 vaccines at Open Hearth which is a shelter for men experiencing homelessness. To keep on top of supply, Hartford HealthCare is allocating both doses for each person.
According to Cardon, Hartford HealthCare is holding the second dose of any person who gets the first dose.
"So that the only problem with [someone] not getting the second dose is the logistics and we're taking care of that by making sure we get that follow-up scheduled," Cardon said.
As Hartford HealthCare expands its vaccination efforts to get to hard-to-reach populations, Cardon said the main focus right now is on congregate living areas per the state's guidance.
Hartford HealthCare has administered over 30,000 vaccinations across Connecticut, according to officials.
