Nearly 6,000 Hoosiers are expected to receive free COVID-19 vaccines Friday and Saturday (March 26 and 27) at a mass vaccination clinic outside of the University of Notre Dame’s Compton Family Ice Arena. In partnership with the Indiana Department of Health and the St. Joseph County Health Department, the Notre Dame clinic is one of three mass vaccination sites being offered to eligible residents throughout the state.
All vaccination appointments are full for the two-day clinic where eligible Indiana residents will receive the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine. No walk-ups will be permitted.
“We are honored that the state approached us to host a vaccination clinic for residents of our region,” Mike Seamon, vice president for campus safety and University operations, said. “Notre Dame works to be an excellent community partner in all we do, and the clinic is another opportunity for the University to have a positive impact on the region by helping to put an end to COVID-19.”
The University’s vaccination administration team has worked closely with state and local health officials over the past several weeks to prepare for the clinic.
“We are well versed in hosting thousands of people for an event,” Seamon said. “We expect a steady flow of traffic on Leahy Drive from Angela Boulevard and we’re prepared to work with the Indiana National Guard and health officials to make the process run smoothly for everyone.”
Brian Fremeau, Notre Dame’s director of facilities and operations, expressed his thanks to faculty and staff who volunteered to serve as interpreters during the clinic. “The reaction from campus was overwhelming,” he said. “We received more than 50 responses to our call for volunteer translators.”
Fremeau said physical preparations for the clinic began today. The Compton Family Ice Arena and Walsh Architecture parking lots will be closed through Monday (March 29) in order to set up and take down tents and additional equipment. Joyce Drive between Holy Cross Drive and Angela Boulevard will be closed on the days of the clinic.
Those being vaccinated will remain in their vehicles throughout the vaccination process, including when they receive the shot, as they are ushered through various stations through the two parking lots.
The most recent Indiana Department of Health vaccine information is available here.
Originally published by at ndworks.nd.edu on March 23, 2021.