Waterbury Ambulance Service to run free flu/COVID-19 vaccine clinics
October 23, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout UPDATE Nov. 17: With some new details in the Questions/Answers section
UPDATE Oct. 25: This post has been updated with details for a clinic in Montpelier on Nov. 18.
UPDATE Oct. 17: A list of Frequently Asked Questions & Answers has been added
Waterbury Ambulance Service has announced it will be offering five flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Washington County over the next several weeks.
The events are being coordinated with the Barre office of the Vermont Department of Health, according to Maggie Burke, ambulance service executive director.
These walk-in immunization opportunities are free and open to the public. No appointments are necessary, however due to high demand, attendees are asked to be patient should there be a wait.
The clinics will be offering Moderna COVID-19 and flu vaccines for individuals ages 6 months to 64 years. Once it becomes available, the Pfizer COVID vaccine also will be offered, Burke said.
Locations will be at Crossett Brook Middle School and Harwood Union High School in Duxbury, Spaulding High School and the Universalist Church in Barre, and a location still to be chosen in Montpelier.
The schedule is listed below.
Flu/COVID-19 vaccine clinic schedule
Saturday, Oct. 28: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; cafeteria at Crossett Brook Middle School, 5672 Vermont Rt. 100, Duxbury.
Sunday, Oct. 29: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Universalist Church, 19 Church St., Barre
Wednesday, Nov. 8: 4 to 8 p.m.; Spaulding High School, 155 Ayers St., Barre
Saturday, Nov. 18: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Montpelier High School in the cafeteria. (Farmer’s Market will also be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the gym. Please walk, bike, or carpool if possible. There will be a shuttle running from surrounding parking lots.)
Sunday, Nov. 19: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Harwood Union High School, 458 Vermont Rt. 100, Duxbury
Frequently Asked Questions - and Answers
Waterbury Ambulance Service has been getting many questions ahead of the public vaccine clinics. Below are the most popular inquiries and the answers to them.
What vaccines do you have?
SpikeVax Moderna (2023-2024 Formula) for ages 6 months-64 years
Flu Vaccine for ages 6 months-64 years
Can I get both my COVID-19 and Flu vaccines today?
Yes. There is no recommended waiting period between getting a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine, at the same visit. See below for information about RSV Vaccines.
I recently got an RSV vaccine. How long should I wait before I get my COVID-19 vaccine?
4 Weeks
I am 65+ can I get a vaccine here today?
We are so sad to say, no. Unfortunately, with the program Waterbury Ambulance is a part of, we cannot provide vaccines to those 65+. We are bound by new federal rules about how the vaccine is supplied. The Health Department has explained to us that because Medicare currently is not contributing to the vaccine program, we cannot offer the vaccines at these clinics to individuals age 65+. For now, those folks should seek out the vaccines from their doctor's offices and pharmacies.
Vermont Center for Independent Living has a program where anyone can get vaccinated at home, learn more here. Also, the pharmacy at Stowe Family Practice is offering walk-in Covid vaccines for those 65+ and there are appointments available at the Hardwick Walgreens.
The silver lining is that with lots of folks being vaccinated at our big clinics, we are encouraging people to cancel any appointments they have in order to open up more appointments for those 65+ at the pharmacies, doctor's offices, etc.
How long after my last COVID vaccine do I need to wait to get this one?
2 Months
I had Pfizer last time, can I get Moderna this time?
Yes.
Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 while I am currently sick with COVID-19?
No. You should wait to be vaccinated until after you complete your isolation period to avoid potentially exposing healthcare personnel and others during the vaccination visit.
I have a vaccine appointment scheduled at my doctor’s office, or at the pharmacy what should I do?
Please, please, please cancel that appointment when you leave our clinic. We want those appointments to be opened up to others.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines for children the same ones that are given to adults?
The COVID-19 vaccines for children have the same active ingredients as the vaccines given to adults. However, children receive a smaller, age-appropriate dose that is right for them. The smaller doses were rigorously tested and found to create the needed immune response for each age group.
How can I get a new CDC COVID-19 vaccination card?
CDC no longer distributes the white CDC COVID-19 Vaccination cards and does not maintain vaccination records. Contact The Vermont Immunization Registry and they can provide your vaccine records.
If I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant now, as well as people who might become pregnant in the future.
Waterbury Ambulance Service in the 2023 Not Quite Independence Day Parade. File photo
Waterbury Ambulance Service is an independent nonprofit first-response organization. Donations to WASI are tax deductible. More information is online at. Waterburyambulance.org.