Pratt & Whitney Runway Sees New Life as Connecticut’s Largest Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic
Note: This article was originally published to the Pratt & Whitney newsroom on Feb. 3, 2021.
Wheels are once again rolling down the long-retired runway on the Pratt & Whitney campus in East Hartford, Connecticut. The air strip that once helped develop our engines is now the largest COVID-19 vaccination site in the state of Connecticut.
This 10-lane, drive-thru clinic is a beacon of hope for residents of the state, delivering a healthier and safer future for all as immunizations play a vital role in bringing the pandemic under control.
“Tell a friend that you can register online, tell a friend that you can telephone in,” shared Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. When the site ramps up to full speed, Community Health Center, Inc. will administer up to 10,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine per week on the Pratt & Whitney site. All vaccinations in Connecticut are by appointment only.
“Vaccinating as many as possible, as efficiently as possible, is the key to ending the pandemic here in Connecticut and around the world,” said Chris Calio, president, Pratt & Whitney. “We at Pratt & Whitney are happy that we can assist in this crucial effort to help the town of East Hartford and the state of Connecticut make the vaccine available.”
The state estimates that 1.3 million of its 3.5 million residents are eligible for the next phase of vaccine distribution. More than 150,000 people were vaccinated in the first phase.
“Connecticut has been doing pretty well for the last eleven months, playing really good defense. Today, we’re going on offense,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “This is the type of innovation and partnership that reminds you we’re ready. And this is how we’re beating the virus.”
COVID-19 vaccination programs are managed at the state level and supplies of vaccines and distribution plans vary from state to state.
For information about vaccinations in your state, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more.