A local healthcare provider that has led the way in vaccinating area residents against COVID-19 is stepping up its game, assisting a state-run effort that will soon be delivering up to 10,000 doses of vaccine a week.
Aiding the state’s operation of the mass vaccination clinic that opened earlier this month in Niagara Falls is Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.
“We’re happy to assist with this herculean effort,” said Memorial Medical Center President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo. “I’m proud but not surprised by the way our team is meeting the challenge.”
Memorial Medical Center volunteers and employees — including administration members and department heads — are providing staffing support for the state’s mass vaccination clinic at the Niagara Falls Conference & Event Center. Non-clinical medical center employees are performing such tasks as welcoming and registering vaccine patients, verifying their appointments and guiding them through the process.
Clinical volunteers are providing medical assistance that includes delivering shots of the vaccine and monitoring those who have received it. Vaccinated patients are required to remain in a designated area with socially distanced seating for 15 minutes after receiving their shots.
The medical center’s efforts also have created jobs. More than 100 temporary employees have been hired by Memorial to help meet the needs of the very busy site.
The state’s Niagara Falls vaccination clinic is one of 10 such sites across the state. It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and appointments are required. Those seeking the vaccine should call 1-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829) or visit the state-run “Am I Eligible” website to see if they schedule an appointment.
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