Starting March 23, the Kent State Field House will function as a mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Tuesday this spring. 

This clinic is for anyone who lives in Portage County and is eligible for the vaccine. The health district expects 1,600 shots to be administered per day at this clinic, according to an email sent by the university Tuesday.  

The Field House was chosen because of an agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, between Kent State and Portage County Health District regarding mass vaccination clinics that has been in place for years, said Becky Lehman, director of health education and promotion at Portage County Health. 

This clinic is being run by Portage County Health District with Kent State, but the Kent City Health Department will be supporting this clinic with their trained and dedicated staff, said Joan Seidel, Kent city health commissioner. 

“Portage County Health District is thrilled to have the collaboration of Kent State University to use the Field House to sustain mass vaccination clinics of this size,” said Joseph Diorio, Portage County health commissioner. 

The type of vaccine available is dependent on what the health department receives to distribute. 

“For the March 23 clinic, there will be either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine,” said Lehman. People who sign up for the vaccination will not be able to choose what type of vaccine they receive; it is all about eligibility. 

Registration for this clinic is required, so those interested can go directly here to the form or here for the health department website.

Alexandra Golden is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].