Maine Army National Guard Sgt. Nicholas Whitmore prepares a dose of a coronavirus vaccine Dec. 8 during a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Augusta Armory. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal file

AUGUSTA — Those looking to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster can do so this week at the Augusta Armory or Richmond Senior Center.

The Augusta Armory at 179 Western Ave. is continuing its December vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with no appointment necessary. Unlike in previous weeks, the clinic is not scheduled to be open Thursday.

Federal and state health officials have said getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to remain protected from the coronavirus. Maine is expected to see a surge in the virus after the holiday season due to gatherings and the highly transmissible omicron variant.

The armory is to offer Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for all eligible ages. Those receiving the booster shot must bring their vaccination card showing at least six months have passed since they were fully vaccinated.

Officials at the armory clinic, organized by the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, said the clinic is expected to continue through mid-January. They plan to release information soon on future hours and dates.

Last Thursday, the clinic administered vaccines to 614 people, which brought to 6,834 the doses administered since the clinic opened earlier this month.

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At the Richmond Senior Center, Director Laurie Sanders said the facility has 200 doses of the Moderna vaccine or booster.

Sanders said 30 people have signed up to receive the booster.

Officials at the senior center at 314 Front St. are asking those seeking to be vaccinated to call 207-737-2161 to register for a time.

Pediatric doses will not be administered at the senior center because the Moderna vaccine has not received federal approval for children between ages 5 and 11.

The clinic is scheduled to be open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. Sanders said those utilizing the clinic must bring their vaccination and insurance cards. Those without insurance will not be charged for the vaccination.

The senior center has already hosted 13 vaccination clinics and administered almost 1,700 shots.

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