*Media Advisory – RSVP Requested* Whitman Fire Department to Host Area Municipalities as Leaders Speak on Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine Doses

***Note: Media members who are interested in covering this event are asked to RSVP to Matthew Reid at 603-276-9216 or matt@jgpr.net by 9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 18.***

WHITMAN — Municipal leaders, first responders and public health officials from several communities will come together Thursday, Feb. 18 to address the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, following the state’s announcement today regarding prioritizing mass and regional sites as opposed to local clinics.

WHERE:

Whitman Knights of Columbus, 1195 Bedford St., Whitman

WHEN:

Thursday, Feb. 18, starting at 10 a.m.

WHO:

Municipal leaders, first responders and public health officials from throughout Plymouth and Norfolk counties will be speaking at the event. Fire Chief Timothy Grenno will be hosting on behalf of the Whitman Fire Department.

WHAT:

Earlier today, local municipalities were informed that effective the week of March 1, the state will no longer be providing first dose vaccines for most individual municipal clinics. Instead, the state will be placing a greater emphasis on mass vaccination sites and regionalized clinics.

“We want our residents to know that we have been fighting for them every step of the way, and will continue to make our voices heard about the distribution of vaccines,” Chief Grenno said. “We are ready to continue to administer the vaccine to first responders, health care workers and members of our senior population, but our ability to do so is dependent on receiving doses from the state. We have been fielding calls from residents from the very beginning asking about their ability to be vaccinated, and we want everyone to know that we are doing everything in our power to continue our local clinics, but that the state has instead shifted priority to more regional sites.”

Following their remarks, speakers will be taking questions from the media regarding vaccine distribution. 

In keeping with the latest COVID-19 safety guidelines, anyone attending the event will be required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.

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