HSA adds more staff to ease vaccination queues

In response to complaints about long waiting times for vaccinations and testing at its new  clinic site, the Health Services Authority says it has put on more staff to deal with registration.

The HSA noted that the major bottleneck at the line was at the registration stage, so has placed more staff at that point “to expediate the process”.

The testing and vaccination clinic was relocated to 131 MacLendon Drive earlier this month.

The HSA said it was aware of the increased wait times at the clinic, and as well as putting on extra registration staff, it would be implementing additional measures in the coming weeks to alleviate the congestion.

Longer lines mean more boosters

However, it pointed out that the longer lines has an up side – it means lots of people are coming out to get their boosters, at a time when the highly contagious Omicron variant is in the community. Research is indicating that those with a third, or booster, shot are better protected against that strain of the virus than those with two doses.

“While all efforts are being made to reduce wait times and provide a good customer experience, we are encouraged by the fact that the current congestion is a result of more persons taking up the call to receive their booster vaccines, thereby protecting themselves, their loved ones, and our wider community,” the HSA said in a statement to the Compass.

It added, “The HSA wishes to remind the public that persons visiting for COVID testing are seen from 7:30am – 12pm, while those for vaccinations are seen starting at 12:30pm. Arriving at the appropriate times will also assist in reducing current congestions at the testing and vaccination centre.”

No vaccinations will be available after the clinic closes today, Christmas Eve, until it reopens following the holiday period on 29 Dec.

Opening hours for COVID testing

The opening hours for walk-in COVID testing at the MacLendon Drive clinic over the Christmas and New Year period are as follows:

• Christmas Day: 10am to noon
• Boxing Day: 10am to noon
• Monday, 27 Dec: 7:30am to noon
• Tuesday, 28 Dec: 7:30am to noon
• New Year’s Day: 10am to noon

Opening times outside the holiday period are:

• Monday–Friday: 7:30am–noon
• Saturday: 10am–noon
• Sunday: 10am–2pm (10am–noon for PCR, 10am–2pm for certified LFT)

Opening hours for vaccines

The MacLendon Drive clinic will close for vaccinations at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

It will also be closed for vaccinations on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Monday, 27 Dec., Tuesday, 28 Dec., and on New Year’s Day.

Community exit PCR testing

The Bodden Town Civic Centre, South Sound Community Centre and the Ed Bush Sports Complex, which are available to those exiting isolation, are open daily from 10am to noon between 20 Dec. and 10 Jan.