NOBLESVILLE — The Hamilton County Health Department has expanded its vaccination clinic into the Exhibition Hall at the Hamilton county Fairgrounds in Noblesville.
The new location opened on Monday, February 1st with five of its vaccination stations in operation, and several others set up in the hall ready for use if the time comes.
“Should more vaccine allocations become available we can expand greatly. Probably triple to quadruple our capacity we’re currently outputting,” said Jason Lemaster, Interim Administrator for the Hamilton County Health Department.
Currently the site is allocated 1,200 vaccine doses each week, but the new space will allow them the capability to administer 5,000 doses weekly if it gets to that point.
“If we need to go into Hall C, we can expand into Hall C as well with more vaccination stations,” said Lemaster, “We’re also proposing to work with some contract staffing services so we can expand our staffing capabilities.”
Right now the space has a check-in area, vaccination stations, and a large observation area where people are monitored for 15 minutes after receiving their shot.
Rita Beck was excited to receive her first dose of the Moderna vaccine at the new site. "It's the right thing to do. It's like any other vaccine, if it's available, get it,” said Beck.
While she received her shot she set up her phone to capture the moment to send to her kids and her daughter-in-law. "It's been interesting to watch the process through her eyes because she's right there on the front lines. So I’m doing this for her as well. She'll be excited when she sees this,” said Beck.
Kelly Mullen, R.N. has been vaccinating for the Hamilton County Health Department for awhile now. She says she’s enjoying the time with patients and being part of the solution. “There’s been a lot of excitement, there’s even been some happy emotion as they get to be the ones who get to get it,” said Mullen.
As people walked out they received a card that shows they received the Moderna vaccine and which arm the shot was injected in. Mullen explained to each patient that they need to return in four weeks for their second shot and bring their card along with them. Before leaving, patients stopped by another table to schedule their next appointment.
Shots are administered at the 4-H Fairgrounds from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Currently healthcare providers, first responders and anyone over the age of 65 can register for an appointment. If you qualify click here to schedule an appointment.
