Hundreds vaccinated at Monessen clinic

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

The Monessen High School gymnasium was a hub of activity Friday for people seeking the COVID-19 vaccine.

Monongahela Valley Hospital brought 400 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to the school for another clinic. The appointment-only event followed other vaccination clinics the hospital has held in Donora, Stockdale and Monongahela.

The first round of vaccinations was given to residents who fall into category 1A, and they’ll return for their second shots April 9.

“We’re a community hospital and our mission is to bring the vaccine to the community,” MVH Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations Corinne Laboon said as she watched residents enter the site. “This is a great location. There’s ample parking, so much space and it’s level. This is a real community effort.”

Laboon said she wasn’t surprised by the size of the turnout.

“People who were skeptical are now seeing people aren’t getting sick from the vaccine,” she said. “Some people had a wait-and-see attitude.”

Monessen School District Superintendent Dr. Leanne Spazak said Friday was a remote learning day for students, so holding the clinic at the gymnasium was an easy decision.

“We’re thrilled to provide the facility and we’re glad to provide this opportunity,” she said.

Spazak said the clinic coincides with the district’s teachers and employees being scheduled to receive the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccinations next week.

“By next week, all will be vaccinated,” she said.

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