UPMC opens covid-19 vaccine clinic in Pittsburgh's Hill District

In an effort to make vaccines more easily accessible and combat vaccine hesitancy, UPMC opened a covid-19 vaccine clinic in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.

“Access to vaccinations is not there for everybody,” said Rachel Marini, an infectious disease pharmacist at UPMC.

In underserved communities like the Hill District, she said, it may be hard for residents to find convenient places to get the vaccine — or even to connect with trusted health care professionals who can answer questions. Marini said she hopes the clinic on Centre Avenue can fill that void.

Dr. Tracey Conti, chair of family medicine at UPMC, said it’s imperative to make vaccines available to underserved communities. UPMC is launching a covid-19 vaccine clinic in the Hill District to ensure residents can get the vaccine in their community. pic.twitter.com/a21x6yTbuX

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“We know that there is still a disparity in our underserved communities on vaccine access, and we wanted to take a part in helping eliminate that disparity,” said Dr. Tracey Conti, chair of family medicine at UPMC.

People can schedule appointments in advance or walk in for a covid-19 vaccine, she said. The clinic is offering the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson jabs, including booster doses and pediatric vaccines.

The clinic has administered over 100 vaccine doses since it opened on Dec. 28, Marini said.

“Our first three patients were between the ages of 5 and 11, and that’s exciting,” she said.

Health professionals at the clinic are able to address questions and concerns about vaccines and boosters in person, over the phone or through email, Marini said. People who remain hesitant to get vaccinated can stop by the clinic just to ask questions and get more information, she said.

“Our goal is to make sure everyone feels supported and informed. The first step is making sure you have the conversation and figure out what are the barriers, what are the hesitations, what are the questions,” she said. “Having that patient-specific conversation really goes a long way. The patients feel heard and feel they have the best information for them.”

They can also help patients decide which of the three available vaccines may be best for them, Marini said.

“We know the data has shown they protect against severe disease, against hospitalizations and especially death,” she said.

The vaccine clinic will remain open until UPMC opens a new primary care practice — the Matilda Theiss Health Center — in the Hill District, where people will be able to get the covid-19 vaccine, as well as other vaccinations and services, Conti said. The goal is to eventually have covid-19 vaccinations easily available at primary care offices throughout the region, she said.

“Just like any vaccine, we want to make sure there’s availability for care,” Conti said.