Dunkin' Donuts Center Opens For Coronavirus Vaccinations

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island's two state-run coronavirus vaccination sites opened to the public Thursday, kicking off the Department of Health's effort to speed the distribution effort. The sites are capable of vaccinating hundreds of people every hour, starting with those 75 and older.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said Thursday that more than 10,000 appointments were scheduled for both sites in the first 24 hours after registration opened. Thursday alone, approximately 3,250 appointments were filled for residents aged 75 and older. Starting Monday, appointments will be open to Rhode Islanders who are 65 and older.

"We've heard the feedback loud and clear ... it's time, with Phase Two, to get vaccines out to as many people as we can," Alexander-Scott said.

Related: A Closer Look At Rhode Island's Coronavirus Vaccination Effort

Thursday morning, the National Guard allowed members of the media a sneak preview before the first patients arrived.

Parking

Free parking is available to everyone who gets a vaccine at a state-run site. There is an adjacent parking lot in Cranston, and there are several options at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. Parking is available free for three hours in the North garage of the civic center, with shuttles available to bring those with mobility issues to the site. Parking meters have also been disabled in the area surrounding the center, and there are 25 handicap-accessible parking spaces in the front of the building.

Vaccine process

As is the case with the Cranston site at Sockanosset Cross Road, patients must have an appointment to get a vaccine. Upon entry, all patients must answer a symptom screening survey. No one with symptoms will be allowed to get a vaccine.

Next, the patient moves to the Dunk's box office, where they will verify that they have an appointment.

After verifying they are healthy and have a vaccine appointment, Rhode Islanders then move to the actual vaccination area, where the Pfizer vaccine is administered by a health care professional. The person's information is also entered into the computer system at this stage.

During this time, the patient has the opportunity to schedule their follow-up appointment to receive the second dose. Although it is not required to have the follow-up at the same site, it is recommended, and a second appointment is guaranteed once the first has been scheduled. Johnson and Wales University is providing volunteers to help anyone who may need assistance to schedule their second appointment.

Although the follow-up does not have to be on-site, it must be a Pfizer vaccine. This means the Cranston site is not an option, since it only currently distributes the Moderna vaccine.

After 15 minutes, the patient is cleared by a medical officer, then checks out at the exit booth near the exit, where the second vaccine — or vaccine plan — is verified.

At this time, just the concourse of The Dunk is in use, but capacity can be expanded to include the floor of the arena, said Lt. Col. Matthew Edwards, the commander of the site. This will depend entirely on the supply of vaccines the state receives from the federal government.

Unlike the Cranston site, only a few members of the National Guard are staffing the Providence site in command positions. About 27 registered nurses are on staff to provide the vaccinations, along with 28 Dunkin' Donuts Center employees to help keep the process moving smoothly.

"It's an extremely big day," Edwards said of the site's debut. "This is a testament to the partners we've been working with ... we're ready to open the doors, get needles in arms and get back to some semblance of normal."

Coronavirus in Rhode Island: Read more

• Visitation Restrictions Loosened In RI Hospitals, Nursing Homes
• RI Coronavirus Vaccines Open To Resident 65 And Up Feb. 22
• Appointments Open For RI's State-Run Coronavirus Vaccine Sites
• RI's New Coronavirus Hospitalizations Back Within Safe Range
• U.K. Coronavirus Variant Found In RI: How To Stay Safe
• Incoming RI Governor 'Not Satisfied' With State's Vaccine Rollout