Gov. Baker Tours Encore Vaccination Site – Everett Independent

Governor Charlie Baker looked up at the massive chandelier above him in the main ballroom of Encore Boston Harbor last Wednesday, May 5, declaring the state’s newest mass vaccination center the most opulent place to get a COVID shot in the state.

“A tip to Brian Gullbrants (Encore President) and Encore, who have provided us with the most suitable vaccination site by far,” said the governor at the beginning of his press conference.

Governor Charlie Baker gives a thumbs up sign as Beth Franklin took a selfie while she waited after shooting her first Pfizer vaccine at the Encore Boston Casino. Governor Baker toured the casino vaccination facility.

The new website is hosted by Encore and the City of Everett, administered by the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) and provided by the Commonwealth. Assaad Sayah, MD, CEO of CHA, said the site is one of three new locations serving nine cities as part of Metro North’s COVID vaccination partnership. While the city will continue to manage its own vaccination clinic at the former Pope John High School, the Encore location is designed to complement those efforts in a larger and more noticeable setting – while reaching more staff and guests at the casino.

Sayah said the effort is in line with what the state is trying to invade communities where vaccine access and hesitation are greater.

“This is an excellent opportunity to increase access to the vaccine for COVID-19 here and in the surrounding communities that we know have been hardest hit during the pandemic,” he said. “This is geared towards supporting the state’s efforts … and reducing travel, improving language access and promoting mobility.”

The other two vaccination sites are in Medford near Tufts and on CHA’s Somerville Hospital campus.

Governor Baker, in his briefing, reviewed vaccination efforts across the Commonwealth, noting that the national goal of providing vaccine to more than 70 percent of the country by July 4th has already been achieved in Massachusetts.

“We have already passed this milestone,” he said. “We have also been extremely successful with people returning for a second dose. This is where 99 percent of those who receive a first dose return for a second dose. “

He said the most fascinating part of this statistic was that it made sure that the state’s oldest and most vulnerable people are now protected and not dying or hospitalized.

“The oldest of us are no longer the people who are counted in our case, who are hospitalized or who are largely fighting for their lives,” he said. “It was an extraordinary process to see the game in real time as a real demonstration here in the Commonwealth.”

Governor Baker also reiterated his commitment last week to double the number of vaccines entering the 20 most disproportionately affected communities, including Everett, Chelsea and Revere. That meant CHA would receive 5,850 doses of COVID-19 vaccine a week for its efforts – something that started last week.

Secretary of State for Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said the next phase of the vaccination campaign is to allow vaccinations at the sites so no appointments are required but more importantly, go to the community to attend the Base knocking on doors effort.

Everett has a direct community connection with the Department of Public Health (DPH), she said, and now has teams of trained recruiters who go out in Everett and knock on doors and hold events to promote vaccination – and make appointments, and secure transport if needed.

“Everett has a trained team of 15 people who are able to simplify vaccine appointments and knock on doors … through one-on-one meetings,” she said. “The community teams knocked on 3,000 doors and made more than 2,000 calls to Everett residents encouraging them to get the vaccine. They hosted 16 visibility events and distributed more than 2,000 leaflets. This is just like political advertising, only that it is vaccination advertising. “

Additionally, she said $ 450,000 was given to local organizations to organize around those who are reluctant to get the vaccine or simply cannot access it. These organizations include the Everett Haitian Community Center, the Mass Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, Somali Parents, the International Institute, and LUMA.

Mayor Carlo DeMaria said he was glad to see the governor in Everett.

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Baker Administration to Everett for a visit to the state’s newest vaccination facility in Encore Boston Harbor,” he said. “This clinic received over 700 walk-ins on the opening day. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Cambridge Health Alliance in helping our community with vaccination. The Governor’s recognition of their work and this website will continue to push the importance of getting vaccinated in these unprecedented times. “

Those in attendance included Mayor DeMaria, Senator Sal DiDomenico and Rep. Joe McGonagle. There was some local controversy from some city councilors who felt they should have been invited or alerted to the governor’s tour of Encore as well.

Councilor Stephanie Martins said it should have been a general courtesy to inform all elected officials that the governor would hold the event on May 5th.

Pro tip for Charlie Baker’s office: If you’re making your announcement from a ward, it’s always great to send the notice and invitation to the city council. Welcome to Everett, ”she wrote on her social media page.