Workplace vaccinations available soon

Starting July, employees would have the option of getting vaccinated against COVID-19 right in their place of work.

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force will collaborate with workplaces to make the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines available at private businesses.

Starting next month, businesses will be able to serve as vaccination sites for their employees, employees’ friends and family, or their immediate community. CHCC staff will administer the vaccines. A minimum of 15 persons must be registered for vaccinations for each workplace site. All that is required is a valid ID to sign up.

Businesses wishing to have COVID-19 vaccinations administered at their locations can contact 682- SHOT (7468) for more information and to register. Registration must be submitted at least four days in advance. CHCC staff will visit to assess the viability of using the location as a vaccination site. Businesses with small employee numbers may partner with other businesses to meet the minimum threshold of at least 15 registered vaccine recipients.

With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines at more sites, the Medical Care and Treatment Site at the Commonwealth Health Center parking lot will shut down mass vaccination operations by the end of August. The last day for first-dose administration of any COVID-19 vaccine at the MCATS will be June 19, 2021. Only second doses will be administered starting June 21, 2021, and the MCATS operational hours will run Monday-Saturday, 8am–1pm.

The Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center will continue to serve as a vaccination site, along with workplace and village outreach sites. Register online at www.vaccinatecnmi.com, walk in, or call (670) 682-SHOT (7468).

As of June 16, 2021, 59% of the eligible population in the CNMI have been fully vaccinated. For live updates on this number, visit www.vaccinatecnmi.com/vax-dashboard.

The COVID-19 vaccines are available to uninsured residents. Vaccine recipients do not have to pay for vaccination. Free transportation to and from vaccination sites is available from the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority, and must be requested online at www.vaccinatecnmi.com or by calling 682- SHOT (7468). (PR)