Manchester Road Race Vaccine Clinic Location Changed

MANCHESTER, CT — The location of two coronavirus vaccination clinics sponsored by the Manchester Road Race Committee has been changed, race officials announced Tuesday.

The clinics will now take place in the cafeteria of Illing Middle School, 227 East Middle Turnpike, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and again on Nov. 6.

It was previously announced that the clinics would be staged at Manchester High School.

Race organizers are collaborating with the Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Griffin Hospital Community Outreach Mobile Vaccination Team to offer the vaccines. The clinics are free and open to everyone and will offer the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

First and second vaccinations, and Pfizer booster shots for those who qualify under current guidelines to receive them, will be available.

First-time vaccine recipients will receive a $20 gift certificate donated by Stop& Shop.

Face masks must be worn at the clinics.

Anyone 12 and older is eligible for the vaccine. Race officials again stressed that individuals do not have to be entered in the Manchester Road Race, or residents of Manchester, in order to be vaccinated at the clinics. Although the vaccines will be administered free of charge, people are encouraged to bring their health insurance cards and a form of photo identification to the clinics. However, no one will be refused for lack of insurance or ID.

The Manchester Road Race Committee is strongly urging all who wish to run, watch or volunteer at this year's road race to be fully vaccinated prior to Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 25), when the event is staged. MRR officials said that the three-week period between the Oct. 16 and Nov. 6 clinics will enable persons receiving the Pfizer vaccine to be fully vaccinated by Thanksgiving.

"These clinics are part of our effort, in consultation with the Town of Manchester and the State of Connecticut, to make this year’s road race as safe and as healthy as possible for everyone," Manchester Road Race President Dr. Tris Carta said.