Tents are going up in the parking lot at Dorney Park in South Whitehall Township, and that’s good news for those hoping to be vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus.
Lehigh Valley Health Network said it is gearing up for mass COVID-19 vaccinations and hopes to vaccinate more community members sooner than initially expected in the vaccine supply allows for it. The health network noted it vaccinated more than 3,200 people on Tuesday and is preparing to vaccinate more. LVHN has experience setting up mass vaccinations and has been hosting drive-through flu shot clinics for nearly 20 years, officials said.
Using that format the health network has been able to vaccinate as many as 8,000 people in one day. It plans to use that experience to conduct large-scale drive-through COVID-19 vaccine events throughout the region to supplement its vaccination program.
The tents at Dorney Park are ready for operations to start on the appropriate groups as soon as the health network has enough vaccine and permission from the state.
Other sites will be set up in Northampton and Monroe Counties in coordination with local health bureaus and authorities.
The health network said it plans to vaccinate at least 5,000 people per day based on adequate vaccine supply.
Appointment will be needed to receive the vaccine.
The COVID vaccine hotline is 484-884-1767. Those seeking a vaccine can also register on the website MyLVHN.com
