SITKA – Citing the importance of timely immunizations for children, the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is currently providing an off-site immunization and well-child check (WCC) clinic in the community of Sitka. The alternative site was implemented to minimize risk of COVID-19 infection transmission to both patients and staff, and provide essential, preventative treatment to youth to further reduce the burden of healthcare facilities. The temporary clinic is located at the Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) Clinic at 1293 Seward Ave and appointments are required to ensure social distancing guidelines are obeyed.
For children not needing WCC appointment, but who are due for immunization, the alternative site clinic will be utilized exclusively. Priority is given to children ages 36 months and older, and to those who are behind in scheduled vaccinations. The temporary clinic hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mon. and Fri., and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tues., Weds., and Thur. Drive-thru WCC will be scheduled for Tues., Weds., and Thur. from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Only one patient (and parent or guardian) are allowed in the clinic at a time. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 907.966.5204.
“SEARHC cares about the health of our families and their children,” says SEARHC’s Dr. Cate Buley. “Keeping your family healthy is our top priority, and to do this we need you to stay up-to-date on the your child’s vaccination and WCC schedule. Using careful screening precautions, we are offering a safe environment to keep our young patients up-to-date.”
In-person WCC will continue to be provided for children 12 months of age and younger, with locations of these visits being provider-dependent by SEARHC requests that patients contact their provider for scheduling and instructions. For patients over 12 months old, WCC will be conducted via telemedicine, but may be in-person at provider’s discretion. For in-person visits, there will be strict adherence to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines with patients scheduled in a manner to minimize proximity to others. A clear COVID-19 screening will be required to enter the facility and children will be seen in separate area from high-risk patients.
For residents in the community of Juneau, a “drive-thru” alternative immunization site located at the rear of the SEARHC Juneau Dental Clinic at 3245 Hospital Drive. For more information, or to schedule an appointment in Juneau, call 907.463.4034.