CLEVELAND — On Monday, MetroHealth held its first vaccination clinic in partnership with Cleveland restaurants. It targeted food industry workers, but News 5 learned others were able to walk in and request a shot.
MetroHealth Vice President of Communications Mike Tobin said the hospital expected to see a moment when demand for the vaccines would die down.
“The people who really, really wanted the vaccines have gotten them, so what we’re doing now is trying to take the vaccine into the community.”
The hospital offered 100 shots at Fahrenheit on Professor Ave. in Cleveland. Chef Rocco Whalen said this is all about trying to get us back to some sense of normal and help his staff move beyond the pandemic.
“There’s so many different stipulations that they put on us in these sectors that for me, it’s getting back to what we do and Cleveland loves to have fun,” he said. For those who are hesitant or uncertain about vaccination, he said “It’s an opportunity for them to come through today, privately, no questions asked.”
Barbara Merritt said she’d been trying and failing to secure an appointment that worked for her schedule. The clinic “eliminated the guesswork in trying to get an appointment.” She rolled up her sleeve because she misses her family and misses her social life. “I miss my friends,” she said. “I miss the parties.”
MetroHealth’s next restaurant vaccination clinic is scheduled for May 3 at The Flying Fig, 2523 Market Ave., Cleveland.
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