WW County plans massive vaccinations next month
By Terry Murry on Monday, January 18th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla County Health officials and Providence St. Mary Medical Center have been at work vaccinating Phase 1A eligible residents for the past four weeks. The Walla Walla County Emergency Operations Unified Command reports they have estimated 80 to 90 percent of eligible residents with the first dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and 35 to 40 percent have received the second dose.
The county will continue vaccinations in the coming weeks for those in the first phase of vaccinations. Meanwhile the county is planning for a mass vaccination event.
The Department of Community Health, with the support of the Board of Commissioners is working out logistics for a mass clinic to be located at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds. The clinic is projected to be up and running by the first weeks of February and will continue for several months.
The county is partnering with Providence St. Mary, Providence Medical Group, Walla Walla Clinic, Family Medical Center, Emergency Management, and Emergency Medical Services to distribute the vaccine in accordance with the Washington State Department of Health guidelines.
While DCH has experience gained form previous mass flu immunization events, there are several unknowns that could impact the clinic. Principal among those are the number of doses that will be made available by the state and federal governments.
DCH will continue to communicate vaccine information, clinics that will offer the vaccine, and how to register sign up for those who are eligible.
“The strong relationships between our local medical and emergency services community ensures a unified effort to vaccinate our county residents quickly and effectively,” Public Health Officer Dr. Daniel Kaminsky stated in a prepared release. “We are aware of the public’s interest and concern that this has not rolled out as fast as we all want it to. We also feel the urgency.”
Individuals who are not part of Phase 1A are asked not to call DCH, as staff is stretched thin. The latest information will be posted on the website and social media accounts.
