The joint community vaccination center will be at the old Gordmans store, 5100 14th Ave. S., and it will probably take a week or two for public health officials to start operating there, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney said Monday. , January 18th.
“We think it will be a good place,” said Mahoney, adding that teams from each of the three health organizations visited the site of the old store. “We had a great discussion with the teams.”
Gordmans closed the store in August, leaving behind a spacious 55,000 square foot building.
Fargodome was considered, but quickly dismissed because it is busy hosting events, said Mahoney.
A central vaccination site will be efficient and convenient for vaccinated people, he said.
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“You will only have one place to go,” said Mahoney. The shots will be fired by appointment, so people should not face long lines, he said. There will be ample space, Mahoney added, to allow vaccinees to stay for 15 minutes so they can be monitored for allergic reactions.
Essentia Health will hold its first round of vaccinations for people aged 75 and over at its medical center at 3000 32nd Ave. S. in Fargo on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and then move to the community’s vaccination center, said a spokeswoman.
A Sanford Health spokesman said a joint announcement is expected soon, possibly on Tuesday.
The next Biden administration, which takes over on Wednesday, is pushing for the creation of thousands of community vaccination centers. President-elect Joe Biden has set a goal to administer 100 million doses of vaccine to protect against COVID-19 in his first 100 days in office.
To this end, the Biden government is proposing roles for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard, as well as for retired doctors and other retired health professionals.
North Dakota National Guard members helped with mass testing events for COVID-19, but so far have not been asked to help with any vaccinations, a spokesman said.