Some state-run COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites will be closed Tuesday in the wake of a major snowstorm that’s expected to migrate through the state starting Monday afternoon.
Parts of southern New Hampshire could see up to a foot of snow and 40 mph winds, according to an alert from the National Weather Service. Jake Leon, a spokesperson for the N.H Department of Health, said after receiving a weather update Sunday, officials reached out to everyone scheduled to receive their vaccine at a state-managed site on Tuesday and moved up their appointments to Monday. Those who were not available for their vaccination on Monday were offered an appointment at another date and time.
“The safety and well-being of our state’s vulnerable populations is our highest priority,” Leon said.
Two state-run COVID testing sites, one in Concord and the other in Londonderry, will also be closed Tuesday due to the storm. Anyone scheduled to be tested for COVID-19 through the state testing sites are being rescheduled, Leon said.
The storm, which is expected to hit New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania before hitting New England has paused vaccination plans in several states.
New York City’s Mayor Bill De Blasio announced Sunday vaccination appointments scheduled for Tuesday would be canceled to keep older adults off the roads during dangerous driving conditions. Granite State drivers are also expected to face low visibility and slick roads if they are driving Monday evening or Tuesday morning, according to The National Weather Service.
New Jersey shut down vaccine mega-sites Monday and will reschedule appointments later in the week. Some vaccination clinics in Maine have reassured the public that, despite the anticipated six to 12 inches of snow, they will keep their doors open to appointments.
Just a couple of days ago, health care workers in Oregon had to frantically administer vaccines before they expired to motorists stuck in traffic during a treacherous snowstorm. Leon said the state doesn’t expect the snow to impact this week’s shipment of vaccines.
New Hampshire’s weather warning is in effect until Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The state’s vaccine rollout, which has been slightly hindered by glitches and miscommunications, has been deemed a success by health officials.
As of Friday, New Hampshire has administered 119,503 doses, a little more than half of the doses available.
According to statistics from the CDC, the Granite State ranks 20th when it comes to the number of doses administered compared to its population. The state is currently in Phase 1B of its vaccination plan, which includes people who are 65 and over, the medically vulnerable at significant risk, including caregivers for those under 16 at risk, staff and residents of facilities for the disabled, and corrections officers and staff.
About 25,000 residents have received two shots, required for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine to be maximally protective.
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