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Autauga County Opens First COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

By Andrew Edwards 

Staff Writer  

The Prattville Community Vaccine Clinic is now accepting appointments to administer vaccines for eligible individuals. The clinic, which is located in the Baptist Medical Park located on McQueen Smith Road, inside of Pro Impact Physical Therapy, 635 McQueen Smith Road North, is the first of its kind to come to the Prattville area.  

Baptist Health, The City of Prattville and Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce have partnered together on this project in an effort to support its local citizens. Eric Morgan, CEO of Prattville Baptist Hospital, knows the significance that a true clinic will bring to the Prattville community.  

“We’ve had our clinic open in Montgomery for several months now, so it was very exciting when we found out that we’d be able to have one in Prattville as well,” Morgan said. “Our goal is to provide a location that is convenient and safe to the citizens of Prattville and surrounding communities. We encourage everyone to get a vaccine for the safety of those around them”.  

It takes a community effort to pull off a feat like this. Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce President, Patty VanderWal, gave insight into the relationship building that made this clinic possible.  

“We have a wonderful partnership with Baptist Health. Working in conjunction with Baptist and the City of Prattville has been seamless in assuring the health and overall wellbeing of our residents.  We are so fortunate to have Baptist Health invested in Prattville and Autauga County,” VanderWal said.  

Prattville businesses are very supportive of one another, showing time and again that they are here to help the community. VanderWal explained that several chamber member restaurants have stepped up to provide lunch to the volunteers that are working at the clinic. “Our chamber members have proved that by working together great things continue to happen in Prattville as well as Autauga County and the surrounding area,” said VanderWal.  

Mayor Bill Gillespie, who was also present at the clinic’s grand opening, believes that this clinic could be a game-changer for the city.  

“This is an absolute blessing all around to have this clinic. It provides an easy option to people because there are those who don’t want to travel, or don’t have the ability to go somewhere far. It’s great to have the vaccine in the hands of the skilled professionals here at Baptist Health,” Gillespie said.  

While he is excited, Gillespie says that he will be cautiously optimistic moving forward.  

“It’s fantastic that we have this option now, but I would like to tell everyone to not let their guard down. Masking is still important. However, this is a big step forward to returning to what we know as normal,” Gillespie said.  

James Milliner, a resident of Millbrook who received the vaccine on Tuesday morning, echoed both Morgan and Gillespie’s thoughts.  

“I made my appointment and came up here today to get this vaccine because I want to protect my loved ones. I’m telling everyone right now – take the shot. It doesn’t hurt, and you’re in and out of the clinic in no time.” Milliner said.   

The Prattville Community Vaccine Clinic will be administering the vaccination every Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. by appointment only. It’s a no-cost clinic, and those wanting to schedule an appointment can do so at baptistfirst.org.  

For those who do not have access to internet and are unable to register online or are in need of technology assistance, please call (334) 747-CVAC (2822). Please note, this phone number is voicemail only and calls will be returned by one of our vaccine advocates. 

A few important and helpful reminders for participants: 
 
• All attendees must wear a mask, regardless of state requirements. 
• Bring a photo ID. 
• Wear a short-sleeved shirt. 
• There is no cost nor is insurance required to receive a vaccine. 
• If you have received the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, please bring your vaccine card. 

PCVC will be administering the Pfizer vaccine. Those receiving their first shot of the Pfizer vaccine will be able to get their second shot three weeks later.  

The clinic will run until there is minimal demand for the vaccine.