The first full day of New Hampshire’s Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccinations for people age 65 and up and other eligible people had sites in Dover and Exeter busy Tuesday. There was a steady stream of Seacoast residents getting their first doses and a number of Phase 1A first responders receiving their second doses.
Nottingham resident Patricia Guarino received her first vaccine dose Tuesday morning in Exeter and said it was super simple to register for her appointment with the state after receiving notification from her healthcare provider. Ten minutes after receiving the vaccine, she said she was not experiencing a dead-arm sensation like a flu shot leaves behind temporarily for some.
Representatives of regional public health networks said more than 300 people signed on to help with distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Seacoast and Strafford County areas via the NH Responds online form.
While currently uncertain how many vaccine distribution sites will be needed, Scott Schuler, incident commander for Strafford County and Seacoast Public Health Networks, said each site will need about 10 to 15 volunteers.
“And we’re so overwhelmed by the community who are looking to help,” Schuler said, adding that, while the form is still active online, recruitment is currently closed for those looking to help with the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.