Public-health director outlines Oct. 25 vaccine clinic plans and eligibility

Town public-health staff reported plans for a vaccination clinic on Oct. 25 offering Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (18 and older) and flu vaccines for multiple age groups.

Director Jericho Miele said the clinic, scheduled for Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will provide Moderna COVID doses only for those 18 and older because of current supply and program constraints; flu vaccines will be available in three formulations covering a broader range of ages. Miele said clinics for children and pediatric COVID dosing may be available through pediatric providers and urged parents to consult their physicians for under-18 vaccination options.

Miele described reimbursement and supply constraints for local clinics and urged residents to seek off-island pharmacy appointments if convenient. He said people who are nonambulatory and already receive in-home medical services through the Visiting Nurses Association may get vaccinations through that existing contract, and asked residents who are homebound to contact public-health staff to arrange service where appropriate.

Miele summarized eligibility: “I can give a COVID vaccine dose to anyone over the age of 18, and I can give flu down to, I believe it's the 5 and higher age category, the pediatric dose.” The council discussed limited state supply and the administrative burden of insurance reimbursement for locally purchased vaccine doses.