Natick Mall COVID Vaccine Site Opens By Appointment Only
NATICK (CBS) - The first mass COVID-19 vaccination site in Metrowest opened Monday at the Natick Mall. The site, run by Labcorp, will start with about 100 shots of the Moderna vaccine a day this week.
They expect that to increase to up to 5,000 vaccinations a day, seven days a week, when they're fully up and running.
There are no walk-ins. Those eligible for a vaccine are asked to wait in their cars and come in ten minutes before their appointment. You need to bring an ID with you and, if you can, insurance information.
"Don't come if you don't have an appointment," said Labcorp spokeswoman Heather Provino.
"There are a lot of logistics that go into running a site like this. We have been carefully watching other mass vaccination sites and trying to learn some lessons from that. One thing that we did see that was vitally important is to try to get people inside as much as possible."
Once you're allowed inside, you will register and go to a waiting area before getting your shot. After the vaccination is done, you will be required to wait in an observation area for 15-to-30 minutes as a precaution. You can then schedule your second appointment before you leave.
The entrance to the vaccination site at the old Sears store is on level one at the mall. You are asked to park in Garage C near Lord and Taylor.
"We're going to be here as long as necessary," Provino said.
Dorothea Intinarelli showed up at the site hoping to make an appointment, she said she's been checking the state's vaccination website for appointments daily. "I just happened to be doing an errand here and I thought I would pop in to speak to someone to see if there was another site," she told WBZ-TV.
Those who were able to get the vaccine were thrilled.
Marilyn Correa of Hudson had an appointment. "I'm number 43 today, I've got to go home and bet it on the lottery or something," she said.
"It's so tough not having it, not being able to do anything or see anyone. So it was a pleasure to get shot," said Claire Kirylo of Somerville.
Another mass vaccination site will open at the old Circuit City in Dartmouth Wednesday. Their goal is to administer 2,000 doses a day.
To book your appointment at any of the sites visit Mass.Gov/CovidVaccine to find out when you're eligible or call the hotline at 211.