The Johns Manville complex in Waterville, Ohio, hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on March 30 for employees and their immediate family members. Contractors who regularly work at the site were also included.
“It doesn’t get any more convenient than having the clinic at the plant,” said Gail Threet, Human Resource Manager in Waterville. “You don’t have to make an extra effort to go someplace else to get a COVID-19 vaccine.”
The clinic happened after months of discussions with the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, which connected the plant with Mercy Health. Mercy is Ohio’s largest health system and sent medical staff to administer the Pfizer shots, while JM provided volunteers to help guide employees through the process.
“We seemed to manage the flow of people really well,” said Gina Rejent, Complex Health and Safety Manager in Waterville. “We had lots of volunteers and it was a nice day outside. There was a designated parking area, an external entrance, and a waiting area where people were spaced 6 feet apart. We were taking temperatures as people arrived and everyone was required to wear a mask.”
Employees (on shift and off shift) and others made appointments in advance of the clinic. By the end of the day, Threet said, nearly 190 people were vaccinated. Of those, about 120 were employees.
“I heard nothing but positive compliments from our volunteers and they heard the same things from our employees,” Rejent said. “The contractors thanked us for including them. Really, they’re on site as much as our employees. We need everyone to be healthy, so it made sense.”
Employees and others who participated are scheduled to attend another vaccination clinic on April 20 at the plant to receive a second shot. Employees who missed the clinic are being directed to other local health organizations that are administering the vaccine.
The complex in Waterville includes two plants and a customer service center that are about one mile apart from each other. More than 500 employees work in Waterville.
