New Bedford Vaccine Clinic Is a Ghost Town

Last week, we told you about a vaccine clinic on Tichon Avenue (by the working waterfront) that was open to New Bedford residents.  It was being put on by the New Bedford Health Department. When we spoke with organizers, they indicated that while the vaccine clinic was specifically set up by FEMA to target New Bedford because the community was lagging a bit behind with vaccinations, they would have a limited supply of vaccines for people from other surrounding communities that might need a vaccine.

That game has changed.

When we spoke with Kristine Arsenault Cunningham on Friday, she told us that she had many, many openings from Saturday through Tuesday. That turned out to be an understatement.

The clinic is now accepting walk-ins from any community. Anybody. From anywhere. No appointment necessary.

Walk-in vaccines were unheard of just a couple of months ago. I can't even walk into Supercuts right now to get a haircut, but someone can get vaccinated without insurance or an ID.

How much easier can we make it?

However, the vaccination clinic is inexplicably a ghost town. Either the community isn't aware of the opportunity to be vaccinated on a walk-in basis, or many in New Bedford have absolutely no interest in being vaccinated – at least not yet. If it turns out to be the latter, it is going to be a major uphill battle to vaccinate the SouthCoast.

Kevin Gallagher was at the New Bedford Vaccine Clinic today just before noon. As you can see in the picture above, he was alone. There was absolutely no wait. Not a single person in line.

“Let’s face facts, empty sites usually get closed down sooner than later. Our hope is that you take advantage of this opportunity before it is lost. Ask anyone who has tried to schedule appointments on line or by phone. Nothing beats simply walking in.” – Kevin Gallagher

Vaccines will be offered again Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.