Weekend vax clinic brought big crowds and community partnerships

PLATTSBURGH | With a larger crowd than expected, a weekend vaccination clinic among local organizations and pediatricians brought an energetic partnership that wound up getting nearly 300 residents of all ages vaccinated against COVID-19. The clinic at the YMCA's Y on the Oval location came in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health and Plattsburgh area pediatricians as one of the area's few pop-up sites to accommodate all eligible ages and all levels of vaccination, from pediatric first doses to adult booster shots and first-time vaccinations. Lines formed outside the Y's newest location on the U.S. Oval as the clinic doors opened Saturday morning and area residents looked to get their children and families vaccinated at one of the few clinics without advanced registration. Several nurses were on hand as vax hopefuls were greeted by service dogs from "Love on a Leash" and YMCA officials monitored the crowds alongside City of Plattsburgh Mayor Chris Rosenquest and Sen. Dan Stec. As residents flocked to the packed clinic, the City of Plattsburgh rushed into action to help, reaching out to local first responders and trained EMTs for additional help as they credited a new state law that allows trained critical care technicians and EMTs to administer vaccines. Three City of Plattsburgh firefighters didn't hesitate to answer the calls for help, quickly joining the team to help keep up with the steady demand. "Admittedly it was a bit frustrating and rocky due to being short staffing. But it was getting worked out and hundreds of vaccinations were given," Mayor Chris Rosenquest said after the event as he commended the city firefighters for their swift response. "Big shout-out to Lt. Barrett, FF Schwartz, and FF Sponable from the Plattsburgh Professional Firefighters Local 2421. These three weren't planned to be here but jumped in and quite literally saved this day." Plattsburgh YMCA CEO Justin Ihne also jumped in wherever needed as the agencies worked to get as many shots administered as the lines held steadfast through the afternoon. Despite the waits and higher than anticipated turnout, nearly 300 area residents were able to receive vaccines. "The nurses, physicians, firefighters and volunteers did an incredible job. While the event had some challenges, by no fault of them or the YMCA, they did not falter, for six-plus hours, they all worked hard to get everyone who attended vaccinated," Ihne said in a Dec. 21 statement following the weekend clinic. Though officials noted some frustrations with the process, they commended all involved for working together to make the event an overwhelming success. "We had additional volunteers from "Love on a Leash" – local service dog group- join the event and provide furry company to anyone who needed extra help getting through the vaccine process. This service helped many kids who were nervous and scared. Special thanks to Plattsburgh Mayor Rosenquest for securing additional help that day." "At the end of the day we vaccinated nearly 300 of our community- many first shots and many children- and helped keep our community healthy and safer during a challenging time." The YMCA and its team of partners-including Mountain View Pediatrics, Plattsburgh Primary Care Pediatrics and Plattsburgh Pediatrics- will host another open clinic for all Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ihne said the Y is "working with all the agencies involved to ensure that we have additional nurses and volunteers for Jan. 8th so that we may ensure a smoother event. We thank you, everyone, again for your patience and time that day." Those who participated in the event and show proof of vaccination at the site received a free week of membership at the YMCA. As officials now gear up for the next state-assisted pop-up clinic, Ihne commended all involved, calling them heroes of the day.

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Weekend vax clinic brought big crowds and community partnerships

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