LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - People can now their COVID-19 vaccines at Riggs Community Health Center. The center just started offering the vaccine at their location at 18th and Hartford Streets on Wednesday.
They will only be giving out the vaccine twice a week for now, but could expand that program at the Indiana State Department of Health's direction down the road.
Right now they are giving out the Moderna vaccine. They plan to give out about 200 shots per week to start.
Jolene Prather is the Director of Operations at Riggs. She said they knew they had the potential to become a vaccination site, but only had about two weeks to get their operation off the ground. Thankfully, she said they had helpful guidance from the state and other vaccine operations like at IU Health Arnett.
She said their first week of offering the vaccine has been a success.
"The patients that we dealt with were just incredible," she said. "It felt like you just got win after win after win at the front desk. they were so gracious, kind and excited."
The clinic is open on Wednesdays from 8am to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. She said their operation is simple. You should enter the building once you arrive for your appointment. Someone will greet you once you enter to see if you are there for the vaccine or for another health purpose. From there a staff member will help you get checked in to actually get your vaccine.
She said the staff at Riggs has stepped up to the plate, and that there is a sense like they are taking part of history.
"To not only be a part of a bigger movement but getting to collaborate with so many great community partners and then finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, it's incredible. It's very exciting."
To schedule your COVID-19 vaccine appointment, call 211 or go online to ourshot.in.gov. Right now in Indiana, you can only get the vaccine if you are a health care worker, first responder or are 70 or older.
