Alabama Fire College To Become Latest Mass Vaccination Site

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County EMA Director Nick Lolley announced on Wednesday that an undertaking by multiple agencies will see the opening of a drive-thru coronavirus vaccination site at the Alabama Fire College, beginning on Thursday.

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Lolley told the Tuscaloosa County Commission during its regular meeting Wednesday that the location on the Shelton State Community College campus will see the Moderna vaccine administered to those eligible. Vaccinations at the Alabama Fire College will be by appointment only.

"The problem you run into is, these appointments fill up and you only get so many vaccines and you can only get so many," he said.

Click here to schedule an appointment.

The collaborative effort will be made possible by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Tuscaloosa County, Tuscaloosa County EMA, the city of Tuscaloosa and the city of Northport

The mass vaccination site will have its soft opening from Thursday, Feb. 18 until Sunday, Feb. 21.

Lolley also provided a range of vaccination data during Wednesday's meeting. Here's a look at some of the high points:

• A total of 202 citizens have been vaccinated through the Maude L. Whatley Health Center, with Lolley pointing out that the health center administered all of its vaccines immediately. This was done in the hope that their proactive approach will result in larger allocations.
• The Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center vaccinated 400 veterans and 700 of its employees from Feb. 12-14.
• The Alabama Department of Public Health has administered 2,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine in Tuscaloosa as of Wednesday.
• DCH Health System remains ground zero in the local battle against the ongoing pandemic, with the hospital system continually expanding its vaccination capabilities. To date, DCH has administered 12,200 doses of the vaccine.
• A total of 503 first responders from agencies in Tuscaloosa County have received the second shot in the vaccination process.
• Lolley reported a total of 1,074 doses of the vaccine have also been administered to residents of local nursing homes.

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