The first week of Phase 1b’s first COVID-19 vaccinations went smoothly at LincolnHealth clinic in the Boothbay Region YMCA Marylouise Tandy Cowan Field House. The temporary clinic was erected Jan. 25 as Lincoln County’s hub of vaccination efforts, and 990 of Lincoln County’s 70-and-over population have had their first doses of the Moderna vaccine.

LincolnHealth Director of Operations Brian Blethen and Clinical Nurse Manager Elsa Parson, RN said operations have been running smoothly as the clinic gears up to begin administering second doses to the first recipients while continuing to administer first doses.

Blethen said the clinic would administer 460 first doses and 150 second doses through the end of the week. “It's going really well … We used up all 990 doses that were allotted to us by MaineHealth last week … We adjusted the schedule here to 180 (so) when people started coming due for their dose two, then we could serve both … and vaccinate approximately 360 people a day out of this clinic.”

Patients have been following all rules and moving through the process seamlessly from greetings outside the field house through screenings, check-in, processing, vaccination, scheduling for the second dosage and exit, said Parson. “It's been like clockwork.”

“I do encourage people to be understanding and a little patient,” said Parson. “I know that it has felt like it's been hard to get an appointment, but … they're trying to work through making sure people can get appointments when there's supply available. That way, we know by the time they get to us everything is nice and efficient and quick for them.”

From providing background information including allergy history to having quick access to an arm for comfortable vaccination, Parson said preparation keeps the line moving and gets people through the process quickly. In the meantime, staff at LincolnHealth and MaineHealth are working diligently to provide the best care they possibly can, she said.

“It's very much worth it and we are happy to be here. The biggest thing is that we want to see patients as much as they want to get in. We love this. We love what we're doing.”