Asante scales back vaccination clinics

With plenty of places to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Asante is winding down its high-throughput vaccination clinics. Beginning May 25, the Medford location will shorten its hours to 7:30 a.m. to noon Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 7:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. The Grants Pass clinic will close May 22.

DeVonna Nascimento, right, a nurse with APP–Family Medicine in Ashland, and sister Donica got their vaccination together in February.

Asante partnered with Jackson County Public Health and Providence Health & Services in early March to create the Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Medford. Asante also opened a vaccination clinic in Josephine County to help meet demand in that community and the surrounding areas. Between those clinics and mass-vaccination events, Asante has administered nearly 60,000 doses of the COVID vaccine.

With the increasing options and locations for people to get the vaccine, the clinics experienced a significant drop in the number of people scheduling appointments. The Medford clinic will continue to administer first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine as long as there is a demand. APP also is considering embedding vaccinations in primary care clinics.

“When the Medford clinic opened, our goal was to optimize the community’s limited supply of vaccine,” Ward said. “We wanted to ensure each person’s experience with the process was positive and that their access to care was easy and efficient. Through your efforts and with support from our community partners, I believe we accomplished these goals, and more.”

Appointments at the Medford vaccination clinic can be made through a MyChart account or open scheduling at Asante.org, or by calling (541) 789-2813. In Grants Pass, go to the Josephine County Public Health website for locations and information.

Where to get a COVID-19 vaccination

Asante employees can get the Pfizer vaccine at the Medford location Monday through Friday.

• Schedule through MyChart.
• Call the hotline at (541) 789-2813.
• Schedule online.
• In Grants Pass, go to the Josephine County Public Health website.

Vaccinations are open to adults and youths 12 and older. Those age 12 to 14 must be accompanied by a guardian.