Update On Vaccination Clinics In Both Valleys

By VERNON ROBISON

The Progress

This week will bring significant changes to the COVID vaccination clinics that have been taking place in Mesquite. More essential workers have been added to the eligibility list for receiving vaccines. And those will be added into the mix of appointments being made for Wednesday and Thursday this week at the Rising Star Field House.

Last week, the Nevada Governor’s officer added a new band of essential workers into the eligibility list for vaccination. This band entails workers in the food service and hospitality industry. Also added were hygiene products and services workers such as service providers in barber shops and salons. And finally those working with customers in banks, credit unions or other financial institutions are eligible.

The clinics will also continue to accommodate members of the public over 65 who have not yet received the first dose of the vaccine.

With the addition of this new group, the scheduling of vaccine clinics has changed.
“Adding those workers have caused us to completely change our schedule in order to accommodate their work shifts,” said Mesa View Regional Hospital spokesman Rob Fuller. “We have to make sure there are opportunities for those folks to come in at the change in the night shifts or swing shifts, either before or after.”

As such, this week, the clinics will be held on only two days. On Wednesday, the clinic will be open from 10am until 6 pm. On Thursday the clinic will begin at noon and continue through 7 pm. No Friday appointments will be available this week.

As in previous weeks, scheduling will be open for new appointments starting on Tuesday morning, Mar. 16 at 7:30 am. Appointments may be made online at health.mesquitenv.gov, or by calling 702-346-8446.
Fuller said that the clinic is supplied with 2,000 doses to administer in this week’s clinics. “So we will have plenty for this next group,” he said.

Fuller added that the Mesquite clinic days have also been opened to Moapa Valley residents who are currently eligible. They can use the same methods to set up appointments and be vaccinated, he said.

Moapa Valley residents can also call Lin’s Marketplace pharmacy department at 702-397-2312 to make an appointment to receive the vaccine.

Priority is being given to those already in the approved eligibility bands. But any local resident who wishes to get the shot, even if he/she is not yet officially eligible, may still call Lin’s pharmacy to be placed on a waiting list. When surplus vaccine is available, the Lin’s staff will call those who are on the waiting list to schedule a vaccine.