Mosque Hosts Virus Vaccination Clinic With Vernon, Ellington

VERNON/ELLINGTON, CT — Vernon's traveling coronavirus roadshow made a stop at a regional mosque on Monday, where 35 seniors braved a snowstorm to become the latest to receive shots.

The stop at the Al-Noor Islamic Center on the Vernon-Ellington line was the second clinic staged at the house of worship since Friday. The weekend began with about 100 vaccines at St. Bernard Church in Vernon's Rockville section.

"This is another example of a public-private partnership that has become an key element in getting this important vaccine to our most vulnerable population," Vernon Town Administrator and Emergency Management Director Michael Purcaro said.

Added Al-Noor Imam Muhammad Sharif Kamalvi, "We're honored to host this clinic."

Vernon has been parenting with Priority Urgent Care In Ellington and Eastern Connecticut Health Network to distribute the vaccinations. A specially equipper trailer is being used to transport the vaccines."

Priority Urgent Care owner Dr. Daksh Rampal said houses of worship are becoming a key way to get the vaccines to the public.

Kalmavi and Al-Noor President Ghulam Sarwar said a team at the mosque began gathering seniors from the congregation on Friday after being contacted by Vernon officials.

Sisters and medical professionals Tehmina and Sumrina Naheed said they began working social media and making calls and Dr. Muhammad Hussain, the director of the Shifa Clinic next door recruited eligible patients and gathered 30 candidates fr the vaccines.

"It was awesome when we heard from Vernon on Friday. People were overjoyed and some were crying tears of joy," Tehmina Naheed said. "We gathered people's information and actually made the appointments for them."

Kalmavi said the Islamic center provided a comfortable atmosphere for the shots.

Two of those receiving vaccinations Monday were Vernon residents Abdul Latif Chaudhry, and Dan Cyr.

Cyr said he found out about the clinic via Dr. Hussain.

"I've been looking forward to getting the shot. I've bee following the technology and y wife and I were happy to get an appointment," Cyr said. "I've been encouraged by the results and it's one way to get this country back to where it needs to be."

Dr. Hussein said he hopes Al-Noor could host more clinics.

Ellington and Tolland have also pledged to assist Vernon in getting the vaccine out and Vernon officials have had talks with Somers officials on that town joining in.

"We'd have a clinic every day if we had the supplies," said Lt. William Meier of the Vernon Police Department, who has been the incident commander for the events.

Added Ellington First Selectman Lori Spielman, "We're bringing the vaccine to the people. People coming out on this snowy day to get the vaccine shows you just how important it is."