Waterford — The Spinoso Real Estate Group, the Connecticut Department of Public Health and Griffin Health will partner to host two free vaccination clinics in April at Crystal Mall, as COVID-19 cases threaten to spike again with an omicron subvariant of the coronavirus.

According to a news release, the vaccination clinics are walk-in with no appointment needed and will take place on Saturday, April 2, and Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Community Workspace room of the Crystal Mall, 850 Hartford Turnpike. Ample parking space is available by the food court entrance. Vaccinations for the first dose, second dose and boosters will be available to all eligible age groups.

Social distancing protocols will be followed and all individuals attending the clinics must always wear a mask and bring their driver's license or a photo identification card, as well as a copy of their vaccination card if applicable. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

"While the number of COVID-19 Omicron variant infections has declined in recent weeks, we are now seeing increasing infections of the Omicron sub-variant BA.2 across the Northeast U.S. and in Connecticut," said Patrick Charmel, president and CEO of Griffin Health. "This sub-variant is considered more infectious than Omicron and has caused significant spikes in infection rates in Europe." 

Charmel said Connecticut could see a spike in infection rates as early as April. He added that is why it is crucial for all individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones as soon as possible by getting vaccinated.

"These vaccine clinics play a pivotal role in our three-pronged approach to fighting this virus which includes vaccination, masking and testing," said Dr. Manisha Juthani, DPH commissioner. "These simple steps are crucial in decreasing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. And while there is still work to do in terms of our vaccination rates — particularly in Eastern Connecticut — we are in a better place than we were a year ago thanks to partners like the Crystal Mall."

If you have any questions about the clinic, contact the state Department of Public Health at (800) 203-1234.