Robert Lee gets a COVID-19 vaccination at a drive-through vaccine clinic Tuesday.

THOMASVILLE — Archbold Medical Center and the City of Thomasville came together Tuesday to distribute as many COVID-19 vaccines as possible at their drive-thru clinic.

By 3 p.m., approximately 33 vaccines were distributed to those who drove through the clinic. 

Chuck Winchester, Archbold emergency management coordinator, said Archbold has been eager to host clinics to increase the vaccinated population one arm at a time. 

“We’ve been in Grady County, Mitchell County and Brooks County vaccinating any and all places. We’ll do our clinics anywhere that someone needs it,” he said. 

Tara Pearson, manager in human resources and benefits and wellness for the City of Thomasville, said this collaboration was important to promote public health throughout the community. 

“We see the need,” she said. “The more people we can help to become vaccinated, the safer our schools, our jobs and homes will be, so we definitely wanted to make sure if Archbold is providing the shots, why not collaborate.” 

Another drive-thru clinic is set to happen at Remington Park, 21 days from Tuesday for the second round of vaccines.

Archbold is also having another walk-in clinic Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Williams Auditorium.  

“Come one, come all,” Winchester said. “They walk in, fill out the paperwork and we give them a vaccine. No appointment necessary.”

Margaret Mullen Brinson, Archbold volunteer, describes becoming vaccinated as a gift for the community and hopes more people take advantage of the appointment free clinics. 

“This is like our humanitarian effort when we take the vaccine, we are protecting others,” she said. “Everyone can do their part by taking the vaccine because it stops the spread, you’re saving lives.”

Archbold officials announced critical levels of positive tests and capacity on August 6, which is why Brinson also said getting vaccinated will relieve the hospital of stress caused by COVID-19.  

“You are freeing up hospital beds and medical staff for things other than COVID. The rooms are shrinking in the hospital,” she said. “Being vaccinated is a gift for our community and our world.”

Winchester encourages residents to schedule a COVID-19 clinic by calling 229-584-SHOT.