MARSHALL — Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center is trying to make sure it reaches as many area seniors as possible for COVID-19 vaccinations. People age 85 and older are now invited to call the Avera Marshall call center if they would like to be placed on the waiting list for vaccines.

“We are committed to vaccinating our most vulnerable populations,” said Avera Marshall regional president and CEO Debbie Streier said Wednesday. When Avera Marshall first started giving COVID-19 vaccinations, they contacted patients age 65 and older.

“We prioritized calling our most elderly patients for vaccine appointments first,” Streier said. “We haven’t been able to reach all of them. Some people’s phone numbers have changed. Some may have not been able to answer when we called. So we are asking people age 85 and over to reach out to us if they are interested in getting a vaccine.”

Seniors can call 507-532-9661 if they would like to receive a vaccine. When Avera Marshall receives additional vaccine from the state, they will contact people to schedule an appointment. Avera Marshall plans to hold additional vaccine clinics as they have vaccine supply available.

“We anticipate receiving more vaccine soon and will continue getting people vaccinated as quickly as we are able,” Streier said. “Our staff has done a phenomenal job of organizing vaccine clinics and stepping forward to fill all the needed roles to carry out these events.”