Formosa Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Access with Convenient Weekend Clinics
This December, residents of Formosa will enjoy increased access to COVID-19 booster shots thanks to two new vaccination tents located in the heart of the city. Operating on Saturdays and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., these clinics aim to make getting vaccinated more convenient for those with busy schedules or limited weekday availability.
The strategically placed tents, one in San Martin Square at the intersection of Avenida 25 de Mayo and Fontana Street, and the other in the Pedestrian Walk at the intersection of Avenida 25 de Mayo and Calle Rivadavia, provide easy access for people of all ages.
Julio Arroyo, head of the province’s Immunization Department, encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to complete their vaccination schedule.
“Neighbors can come with their ID’s,” Arroyo explained. “In addition to the COVID-19 vaccine, we are also offering doses of the flu and hepatitis B vaccine to those who require it.”
“Those who have any doubts about any of the vaccines that are being applied can come and consult without any problem, the vaccinators will be informing them appropriately,” Arroyo added.
Additional Vaccination Options Throughout the City
For those unable to make it to the weekend clinics, COVID-19 vaccines are also readily available at all vaccination centers located in health centers and hospitals throughout the city. These centers operate from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Family Vaccination center, conveniently located at 1255 Padre Patiño Street near the Central Emergency Hospital “Ramon Carrillo,” maintains the same hours of operation.
Staying Up to Date: The Importance of Booster Shots
Arroyo emphasized the importance of staying up to date on recommended vaccinations. “Those who do not have the reinforcements recommended by the health authorities have an incomplete schedule, which makes them more vulnerable to COVID-19,” he explained.
“If so, we are more vulnerable to the disease. With up-to-date vaccines we prevent this from happening and therefore prevent the complications it can cause, as well as hospitalizations and deaths, especially in people at higher risk,” Arroyo stressed.
He outlined the recommended scheme for different groups. People over 50 years of age, those with comorbidities, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, healthcare personnel, and those deemed “strategic” should receive two doses per year, one every six months. Meanwhile, those under 50 without diagnosed comorbidities, including children from six months of age, require an annual booster.
Formosa Proactive in Combating COVID-19 Surge
In mid-November, provincial authorities urged the public to get vaccinated, particularly as they witnessed a sudden increase in COVID-19 cases. Dr. Aníbal Gómez, Minister of Human Development, expressed optimism at that time.
“We no longer have the steep rise of the first few days, the curve began to tilt; therefore, I think it will stabilize very soon,” Dr. Gómez stated. He attributed the decrease to continuous surveillance deployed in health centers, enabling the timely detection of rising cases.
“It is a virus that, normally, should have increased in the winter months, but it is increasing during these hot dates, something totally atypical,” he observed.
Dr. Gómez stressed the importance of staying vigilant and adhering to public health guidelines.
Where are the Formosa weekend vaccination clinics located?
## Formosa Makes Weekend COVID-19 Vaccination Convenient
**(Interviewer):** We’re here today with Julio Arroyo, head of Formosa’s Immunization Department, to discuss the exciting new addition to the city’s vaccination efforts – weekend clinics. Julio, welcome!
**(Julio Arroyo):** Thank you for having me.
**(Interviewer):** Can you tell us about these new weekend vaccination centers?
**(JA):** Absolutely! We understand that many residents have busy weekdays, so we wanted to make getting vaccinated more convenient. Starting this December, we’ll have two tents open on Saturdays and Sundays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., right in the heart of the city.
**(Interviewer):** That’s fantastic! Where can residents find these clinics?
**(JA):** One tent will be in San Martin Square, at the intersection of Avenida 25 de Mayo and Fontana Street. The other will be in the Pedestrian Walk, at the intersection of Avenida 25 de Mayo and Calle Rivadavia. Both locations are easily accessible for people of all ages.
**(Interviewer):** What types of vaccines will be available at these clinics?
**(JA):** We’ll be offering COVID-19 booster shots, as well as flu and hepatitis B vaccines for those who need them.
**(Interviewer):** That’s great! And what about residents who have questions or concerns about the vaccines?
**(JA):** We encourage anyone with questions to come talk to our vaccinators. They are there to provide information and address any concerns people may have.
**(Interviewer):** Wonderful. Are there other options for residents who can’t make it to the weekend clinics?
**(JA):** Certainly! We have vaccination centers located in health centers and hospitals throughout the city. These centers are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plus, the Family Vaccination centre at 1255 Padre Patiño Street, near the Central Emergency Hospital “Ramon Carrillo,” also has the same hours of operation.
**(Interviewer):** Excellent. Julio, thank you so much for providing this important information. It’s clear that Formosa is committed to making vaccination accessible for everyone!
**(JA):** It’s our pleasure. Protecting the health of our community is our top priority.