Large-scale vaccination site opens at Worcester State University

WORCESTER — A big day for Worcester as the first large scale vaccination site opened in the area Tuesday at Worcester State University.

“We’re in a position where we’re finally seeing the end of a tunnel that’s been very long,” said Lisa Colombo, executive vice chancellor at Commonwealth Medicine.

Worcester is one area hit hardest by this pandemic.

Recently Worcester County has reported the most cases of the more contagious COVID-19 variant from the U.K.

“Given that the variants are out there, it’s really a race between the vaccination and the variant, and we’re so excited to be able to vaccinate so many Worcester County and other residents here,” said Carolyn Jackson, chief executive officer at St. Vincent’s Hospital.

St. Vincent’s Hospital worked with Commonwealth Medicine to get this site up and running.

As of now, they plan to vaccinate about 500 people per day with the hope of increasing that number to about 2,000 shots a day, depending on supply.

“We do know the state wants to continue to ensure sites that are vaccinating a large number of residents are able to be prioritized,” said Jackson.

This vaccination site will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays and if you’re eligible you can make your appointment online at mass.gov, and also at the websites for St. Vincent’s Hospital and Worcester State University.

About 1,700 people have volunteered to work at this vaccination site. If you’d like to volunteer, sign up here.

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