ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Avera St. Luke’s continues to host COVID-19 vaccination clinics multiple times per week.

Due to changes in demand, clinics now operate on a much smaller basis in State Street Medical Square, 105 South State Street.

“We offer around 30 appointments per clinic, and they have been filling up,” said Alvin Haugen, vaccine coordinator. Prior to the move, hundreds of vaccinations would be administered per larger clinic. In fact, since the end of December 2020, Avera St. Luke’s Hospital has completed approximately 85 first and second dose clinics, administering more than 19,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

With the change, online self -scheduling is no longer available. Rather, those seeking a vaccine should call 605-622-5273 or email aslcovidvaccine@avera.org.

Both the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for those 12 and older. People who get the Pfizer vaccine will receive the second shot in three weeks. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for those 18 and older, is a single dose.

Those being vaccinated will complete a form that is also available here. Those under 18 need parental or guardian consent. Because of changes with state funding, staff will also ask for insurance cards. Vaccines remain free, and insurance is not needed in order to get vaccinated.

Everyone getting vaccinated takes part in a 15-minute observation period. Those that have had a prior reaction to any vaccine will need to be observed for a half hour. Most people are in, vaccinated and out the door in less than a half hour.

Masks are required, as in an Avera facility.

Avera St. Luke’s employees and volunteers have also began outreach vaccination events, including at Arts in the Park. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine will also be available at The Brown County Fair.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should call Avera St. Luke’s local hotline at 622-8960. The system-wide hotline closed June 25. This milestone in Avera’s COVID-19 journey is a reflection of reduced volumes into the hotline.

You can learn more about Avera’s vaccination efforts, including information on other vaccination clinics, at Avera.org/covid19.