La. officials prepare to open mass vaccination site

Both Broome and Kanter are urging those who have not received a vaccine to get one because this is a unique opportunity for the Baton Rouge community.

The following information is from the office of the mayor:

The federal COVID-19 Community Vaccine Center in Baton Rouge will begin operations Friday April 16, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, Governor John Bel Edwards, the Louisiana Department of Health, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Thursday.

The site will operate for eight weeks, Tuesday through Sunday, with drive through hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Appointments can be made on site, at brla.gov/GetVaccinated, by calling 1-855-453-0774, or HERE. Walk-ups are also accepted.

“This Community Vaccine Center is a critical tool in our fight to end the pandemic. I am calling on all of our residents to Geaux Get Vaccinated while this center is still available,” said Mayor Broome.

“Vaccinations are our best shot at beating this pandemic, and it is absolutely critical that we get as many people vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “The vaccines are safe and effective, and we are grateful to have this center available to the community. Everyone who still needs an appointment is encouraged to make one today. Our only way out of this is by working together.”

Allocations of vaccine to this site will come directly from the federal government and are in addition to weekly allocations the state of Louisiana receives. All people ages 16 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana, though 16 and 17 year olds must receive the Pfizer vaccine.