LOS LUNAS—The village of Los Lunas will hold a COVID-19 vaccine sign-up event at the Daniel Fernandez Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30.
However, Los Lunas Fire Chief John Gabaldon said signing up for the vaccine doesn’t ensure you are able to get vaccinated quicker — it just assures you’re ready to go once that time comes.
While many people nowadays have access to the internet to sign up for the vaccine themselves, Jason Duran, director of the parks and recreation department, said the village is aware that isn’t the case for everybody.
“Chief Gabaldon came to me and said he was getting a lot of individuals going to the vaccine drive-thru and they hadn’t set up an account, and they were just trying to figure out some type of way to help people who don’t have internet access, or don’t have computers or smartphones, to be able to set up an account where they could be able to get [signed up for] that vaccine,” Duran said. “We [also] know the seniors in the community don’t have that capability in some regards.”
On Saturday, the village will have parks and recreation staff and a local health official from Belen Public Health Office on site to sign those up who have yet to do so. Duran said those on-site workers have received training on the state’s sign up requirements.
If those who come in to sign up for the vaccine don’t happen to have an email — the state requires one for sign up — the on-site staff will assist with helping them create one “on whichever platform they prefer.”
“We have had several show up (to the vaccine clinics) without registration,” Gabaldon said. “From the beginning, we have prepared to vaccinate our community. Having this event provides access to those who do not have technology or needs help using it.
“I, along with the rest of the village of Los Lunas staff, have always felt that our residents of this community are the most important and this allows everyone to have a chance at the vaccine.”
The state is administering vaccines in phases, and are currently on phase 1B, which includes those 75 years of age and older and those who are 16 and older “at risk of COVID complications.”
Duran said signing up for the vaccine can go rather quickly since the recreation center has a slate of about 20 brand new iPads they received from the public library, who had received a grant for the tablets, and also some computers.
Those who plan on attending the sign-up event should follow state health guidelines, such as wearing masks and social distancing.
If this first vaccine sign up event is successful, Duran said it’s highly possible that the village does more events such as this while the vaccine is being rolled out nationwide.
“We can continue this through the weeks, months to come,” Duran said.
For more information on signing up for the COVID-19 vaccine, go to cvvaccine.nmhealth.org.
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April 18, 2024
