A four-day walk-in vaccination clinic began today in an effort to get more vaccinations into the arms of Carbon County residents.

St. Luke’s University Health Network announced Tuesday that the clinics will be held Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and Monday at the Lehighton Campus.

John Nespoli, president of St. Luke’s Carbon Campus; William Markson, vice president of Medical Affairs at Lehighton Campus; and Carbon County Commissioner Rocky C. Ahner gathered at the vaccine tent.

Nespoli said St. Luke’s has been told it can reopen as a dedicated provider of vaccines.

He noted that about 30% of county residents are fully vaccinated, and spoke of “how incredibly safe” the vaccine has proved to be.

“It’s clear this vaccine is safe, and it’s really effective,” Nespoli said. “We strongly encourage you to get the vaccine, and hopefully go from 30% to 100% in the county.”

The walk-in clinic runs until 6 p.m. Wednesday for those age 18 and older who would like to receive the Moderna vaccine. It then runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday for those 16 and older who would like the Pfizer vaccine. For qualifying individuals who receive a vaccine on Sunday, there will also be free hot dogs, chips and soda while quantities last.

Nespoli said St. Luke’s is doing its best to made sure the vaccine is as convenient for everyone to get as can be so that they can get the shots in everyone’s arms.

“This is the beginning of a great thing,” Nespoli said. “And let’s get to that 100%”

Markson encouraged those who haven’t received the vaccine to get it so that to potentially avoid a long hospital stay or worse.

“The vaccines are so, so important for the community,” Markson said. “We’d rather give everyone the vaccine and not be taking care of you.”

Markson said the St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus currently has 2,000 vaccines available for the clinics, including Moderna and Pfizer. Walk-ins are first dose only, with vaccine booster appointments scheduled before people leave. Vaccines are available first come, first served, as quantities are limited.

“We really want to get the vaccines in arms,” he said. “When you come in, show up, walk in and get the vaccine.”

Markson said those 16 and 17 years old must be accompanied by a guardian or parent for consent purposes.

Ahner said that commissioners have been “very active in meeting with the Department of Health on promoting more vaccines not only in our area, but for many rural counties’ like us.”

He said that while Nespoli, Markson and staff at St. Luke’s “are certainly the experts and will provide the vaccines safely to your individual needs,” he wanted to give his view on the importance of the vaccine.

“From the beginning to date, I had four friends pass and three more were hospitalized not knowing if they would open their eyes the next day,” Ahner said. “These are not stats like four home runs or three goals in a game; these are numbers I hope and pray that you will never see.”

Ahner noted that the county has distributed over $6 million to about 280 entities in grants “seeing businesses fade and people uncomfortable at work or play ... it is great to see a great provider as St. Luke’s in Carbon County. COVID-19 and its variants do not discriminate by age, race, religion or political preference.

“The commissioners will never tell you what to do, but until you decide, we will continue to advocate for vaccines until every county resident that wants one will get one,” he said. “So look around, see what’s best for your family, in business, travel, college or health and join us in getting Carbon County vaccinated to get us back to a normal lifestyle.”

The vaccine clinics will be held in the tent located in the employee parking lot across the street from the hospital’s main entrance. No appointments are necessary.

For more information, call St. Luke’s COVID-19 Vaccination Information: 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537), option 7 or visit their website, www.sluhn.org/vaccine.