BROOKINGS – Starting today, the COVID-19 community vaccination center scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, is now open to Brookings County residents age 65 and older. 

Last week the South Dakota Department of Health announced it would drop the age bracket for Phase 1D vaccinations to people 65 years of age effective Monday, Feb. 22. The Brookings County Pandemic Planning and Coordination Committee has opened the COVID-19 community vaccination center to newly eligible county residents in accordance with the DOH.

The community vaccination center, also referred to as a point of dispensing (POD), will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the Swiftel Center. 

Limited vaccine doses will be available. Registration is required, and walk-ins will not be accepted. 

Eligible individuals do not need to receive a call from their clinic to register. Recipients must register in advance and must commit to receiving a second dose on March 25. 

At the time of appointment, recipients must bring: 

• Valid ID (driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, etc.)

• Completed vaccine administration form 

Individuals needing transportation to the community vaccination center may schedule a free ride in advance with Brookings Area Transit Authority by calling 692-2222. 

To register for a vaccine, call 692-2811 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or visit brookingshealth.org/Vaccine.