ELLSWORTH — Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals plan to open an offsite, community COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Ellsworth. The Northern Light Hancock County Community Vaccination Clinic will allow access to COVID-19 vaccine for even more Mainers as it becomes available. 

“Northern Light Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals have been working closely with the city of Ellsworth since the beginning of the pandemic,” said John Ronan, FACHE, President Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals, in a news release. “We have kept each other informed as COVID-19 affected our state and our communities, prepared emergency response plans, and ultimately planned for the distribution of vaccine. We are pleased to announce the opening of this community vaccination clinic.”

Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals have been administering vaccine according to Maine CDC guidelines on campus, in their hospitals. Knowing that the space was not ideal for larger vaccine distribution, the hospitals started conversations with representatives from the city of Ellsworth to find a larger, more convenient location. 

“We are thrilled to work with the owner of the High Street storefront, formerly Family Dollar,” said Joe Gaetano, Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals VP Operations.

Gaetano has been the point person for Northern Light Health’s vaccine distribution for Hancock County.

The space provides adequate square footage, safe parking, and easy access for all in the community to access the vaccine, according to the news release. 

“The Maine CDC has announced that vaccine access will quickly expand to more Mainers in the coming months, and Maine Coast and Blue Hill Hospitals want to be ready. We plan to open in early April, and once fully up and running hope to serve 500-750 people per clinic.”

Details including frequency and days for clinics are still being developed. 

The on-site vaccination clinic at Maine Coast Hospital will close once the new site launches; however, the current plan is to keep vaccinations on-site at Blue Hill Hospital.

Vaccine appointment availability will continue to follow all Maine CDC guidelines and scheduling will follow the same process that all Northern Light Health vaccine clinic sites use.

For online appointment scheduling, please visit: https://northernlighthealth.org/Resources/COVID-19/General-Information-about-COVID-19/COVID-19-Vaccinations.

If you do not have internet access, please call 207.204.8554.

New appointments are added every Monday and Wednesday.