COVID-19 vaccine available for man’amko

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. has begun administrating the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to the islands’ man’amko and those with underlying health conditions at the Medical Care and Treatment Site at CHCC’s upper-level parking yesterday from 7:30am to 9pm and will continue today.

According to CHCC, an underlying health condition includes cancer, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, asthma, a heart condition, etc. can register to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, CHCC stated that caregivers will be allowed to accompany patients on-site but not be allowed in the vaccination area if space is limited.

CHCC chief executive officer Esther Muña encourages the community to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Muña stated that there have been approximately 700 people who have been vaccinated since last Dec. 19 until yesterday. A total of 400 people were vaccinated yesterday, this includes the man’amko and front-liners.

According to CHCC public information officer Lee Tenorio, the CNMI received another batch of Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine last Dec. 21. This time only one tray. The COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses, 21 days apart to be effective, and will automatically be registered for their second dose.

The CNMI expects to see the first batch of the Moderna Inc. COVID-19 vaccination as early as next week.

To register, visit: www.vaccinatecnmi.com/covid-19/registration/. For the elderly population, 65 years and older, the verification code is “manamko101,” and for people living with underlying health conditions, the verification code is “vuln101”. Additionally, CHCC will need a copy of a government-issued photo ID and insurance information. Those who aren’t able to upload their ID, can bring it to their appointment.

Parking is available at the CHCC’s Main Campus on Navy Hill Road.

For those who may not have access to the internet, CHCC is accepting in-person or over the phone registration. Participants can call Vaccinate CNMI Call Center at (670) 682-SHOT (7468) available Monday to Sunday, 7:30am to 10pm. CHCC will need a copy of a government-issued photo ID and insurance information. Those who aren’t able to upload their ID, can bring it to their appointment.

After registration, participants will receive a confirmation email or call, and if you do not receive a confirmation email or call, you can call (670) 682-SHOT (7468).

CHCC stated that after the vaccination, registered participants will be monitored for 15 minutes and will get a shot card for their next appointment. It is also common for people to endure pain in their arm during and after the vaccination, however, if side effects do not go away in a week, or you have more serious side effects, CHCC urges to call the CHCC Tele-Triage 24/7 Hotline at (670) 233-2067.

Patients can report side effects by registering for V-Safe or call the Vaccinate CNMI call center. V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. To register go to: vsafe.cdc.gov