The Indiana Department of Health’s mobile vaccine clinic opened up Tuesday morning at Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw.
The clinic is offering the Pfizer vaccine, which is the only one currently approved and available for those ages 16 and 17. Appointments for this clinic are preferred (find open times here), but walk-ins are also welcome.
Locally, you can also call the local COVID hotline run by the Bowen Center at 574-347-4256, which is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM. The Bowen Center hotline is bilingual in both English and Spanish.
The clinic runs from 9 AM to 6 PM through Saturday, and those who get their first dose here will be scheduled for their second dose when the clinic returns in May.
ISDH Chief of Staff Shane Hatchett said during a press conference at Warsaw City Hall that this is one of two mobile clinics being run in the state, with the other currently ongoing in Gary. Hatchett said that those that come in for walk-ins and are not able to get a vaccine right away will get an appointment set up at the clinic, or another area clinic if times at Center Lake Pavilion fill up.
Hatchett said the exposure of the mobile clinic is good even for those who are driving by and might be interested in getting the shot. “If you show up, and there is a shot available, we will get it in your arm.”
When asked about those who are hesitant to wait on the vaccine, Hatchett said getting it a year later might be too late. He said he heard many people are also having “needle anxiety,” but that is something that should not hold people back from getting the vaccine.
Kosciusko County Health Officer Dr. Bill Remington added in saying that this is not something to wait on. “We are dealing with a gnarly pathogen. Don’t play with fire.”
Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer noted the clinic is one of the best opportunities that the city and area residents have had to get the vaccine, and to take advantage of that opportunity.
