Media Contact: Tim Kershner, Director of Communications and Public Affairs
603-356-5461 ext. 2198
timothy.kershner@mainehealth.org
Memorial Hospital is moving its community vaccine clinic to its primary care offices as vaccine demand declines.
After administering more than 25,000 doses, the hospital announced this week that March 16 is the last day of operations for the dedicated vaccine clinic at the former Mt. Washington Observatory Building in North Conway. The move to primary care at the hospital’s main campus on Route 16 comes as demand for vaccines is dropping and the hospital continues to shift its resources to areas of greatest need.
Memorial’s Manager of Clinical Education and Emergency Management, Will Owen, RN says the hospital will continue COVID-19 vaccinations in its primary care offices on the hospital campus to those eligible for a vaccine regardless of their status as a Memorial primary care patient.
“Even though the stand-alone clinic is closing, we remain available to all residents to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, and will continue to make the necessary changes to serve our community as vaccine guidance continues to evolve. We are already making plans for vaccines for kids under five when it is approved by the FDA and CDC,” Owen said.
COVID-19 Vaccine appointments are available in Primary Care every Wednesday, starting on March 23, from 9:30am until 2:30pm. An appointment is required and can be made by calling 603-356-5472. While walk-ins cannot be accommodated, primary care is working to develop an on-line scheduling process to allow easier access.
Memorial’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Matt Dunn says these changes to the vaccine clinic is not a signal that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, only a response to vaccine demand and Memorial’s need to best deploy its resources.
“We’ve entered a new phase of the pandemic,” he says, “but COVID-19 transmission remains high in our area and other areas around the country and additional variants are possible. We know the best defense against COVID-19 is a vaccine and masking when in crowds and around unvaccinated individuals.”
First and second shots as well as boosters are available for individuals five and older. Memorial will continue administering approved vaccines, currently those manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Those unsure about receiving a vaccine should contact their primary care provider.
###
About Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit 25-bed Critical Access Hospital located in North Conway, NH, and is a member of the MaineHealth family. Its hospital services include a 24-hour emergency department, surgery center, clinical laboratory, heart health & wellness programs, imaging services, cardiopulmonary care, family birthing center, oncology, chemotherapy and infusion services. Practices include primary care and family medicine, diabetes care, behavioral health, women's health, podiatry, orthopedics and physical therapy. Memorial Hospital is also home to The Merriman House nursing home, which provides senior care services in a comfortable, home-like setting. For more information, www.memorialhospitalnh.org or call 603-356-5461.