The Dartmouth High School gym will become a Covid-19 vaccination clinic site starting next week, according to a Jan. 26 statement from the Dartmouth Police Department citing information from the town’s Board of Health.
Only those who are eligible for the shot in either Phase 1 or the first part of Phase 2 of the state’s vaccine distribution plan and who have an appointment will be allowed entry, the statement noted.
“[P]lease DO NOT call Dartmouth High School, or any other Dartmouth Public School, for information,” the release stated. “Please DO NOT show up at Dartmouth High School unless you have a scheduled appointment, which will be outside of the operational hours of the school.”
People aged 75 or older will be eligible for the vaccine in the first stage of Phase 2, which is set to begin on Feb. 1.
Further details on the clinic will be posted to the town’s website on Feb. 2 or 3.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bonny Gifford told the School Committee at a Jan. 25 meeting that the district volunteered use of the gym as well as secretarial staff to help with the effort.
“We just felt it’s something we need to have happen,” Gifford said. “Whatever we can do, we will do.”
Once clinics are established, the superintendent said they will likely take place after school from 4 to 8 p.m., along with “some Saturdays.”
Gifford added that some sports games may have to be rescheduled to accommodate the clinic.
Later stages of Phase 2 include people aged 65 and over, those with two or more comorbidities, and those employed as educators or transit, grocery, utility, agriculture, or food service workers, among others. For a full list, visit mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-timeline-phase-overview#phase-2-.
Residents 75 years of age and older who do not have access to a computer, and who may need assistance accessing the clinic, should contact the Dartmouth Council on Aging at (508) 999-4717.
