The Montage Wellness Centers in Marina and Salinas, CA have remained closed since the middle of July 2020. The closure is mandated by the State and County Health Departments as an infection control measure for COVID19. Keeping with our mission, “to serve the population health and wellness needs of the Monterey Peninsula”, Montage Wellness Centers are opening a large vaccination clinic. The vaccination clinic is launching on February 10, 2021 in our Marina facility, with over 500 vaccinations distributed. We are building our vaccination doses to 1,000 each day as long as the vaccination supply continues to be provided by State and County sources. Combined, we are inoculating over 10,000 members of the public over age 75 and qualified health care workers.
The Marina facility is transforming into a large vaccination clinic by removing all the cardio equipment from the fitness floor. In addition, the fitness studios are being used as vaccination rooms and administrative support areas. Individuals that qualify for the vaccination follow a five step process after they register online for their designated appointment time. First, all individuals provide proper identification for age or health care worker qualification status. Second, they receive their vaccination cards, with the type of vaccine and lot number. Next, they enter into the registration system. Then, they are eligible to receive their vaccine. After receiving a vaccination, individuals must remain in the observation area for 15 minutes. The entire process upon arrival lasts about 25 minutes.
Several HPA staff members are working in the vaccination clinic and are performing a wide variety of duties. These duties range from front line welcoming service to call desk and registration support. The efforst between medical, fitness and volunteer staff is being praised by the public. Montage Health is the largest distributer of vaccines in Monterey County. We plan to continue the public vaccination efforts through April and hope to reopen the fitness facilities this summer.