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Optimist Hall brings COVID-19 vaccinations to its staff

Optimist Hall said all of its employees, including sanitation staff and security, are eligible for a shot.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Optimist Hall hosted a vaccine clinic for all of its employees on Monday.

The food court is partnering with the Mecklenburg County Health Department to give shots in the large outdoor space. 

Optimist Hall said all of its employees, including sanitation staff and security, are eligible for a shot.

It's not quite business as usual yet at Optimist Hall, but there are efforts to move in that direction.

“I think we're all trying to recover from the pandemic and being able to be healthy while you're here really helps the economic side of things as well as the very obvious health side of things,” Merritt Lancaster, a partner at Optimist Hall, said.

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"[We're] currently vaccinating Groups 1, 2 and 3," Dr. Meg Sullivan, medical director for Mecklenburg Public Health said. "Group 3 includes front-line, essential workers including many of our food and restaurant employees. This presents the option to vaccinate a large number of individuals who meet that qualification and will really benefit from the vaccine."

More than 300 people were vaccinated.

"We are concerned about making sure that everybody is safe and healthy as best we can but at the same stay open so everyone can pay their bills really," Lancaster said.

A spokesperson for the county told WCNC Charlotte that this is just one of their community clinics.

If community organizations are interested in partnering with the health department on a community clinic they can submit a form on their website here. 

"In order to get the vaccine in arms, we have to be as flexible and nimble as possible so we go where we need to go," Sullivan said. 

RELATED: Study participants receive first doses of Moderna's 'next generation' COVID-19 vaccine

Have a relative or friend in another state and want to know when they can get vaccinated? Visit NBC News' Plan Your Vaccine site to find out about each state's vaccine rollout plan.

 

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