WA plans massive vaccination clinics

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

OLYMPIA – Gov. Jay Inslee announced Washington has a goal of vaccinating 45,000 residents a day over the coming months with a newly expanded vaccine distribution plan. The Washington State Vaccine Command and Coordination Center is a public-private partnership to boost distribution efforts.

In addition to government entities the new center is comprised of experts from corporations, labor unions, and health care groups.

“We are removing as many impediments as possible to Washingtonians getting vaccinated,” Inslee stated at a news conference. “We are going to deliver every dose that comes into our state.”

While the number of vaccinations Inslee wants is above the current federal allocation for Washington, Inslee hopes it will be met as manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines ramps up in the coming weeks and months. The state wants to have the infrastructure in place as doses are increased.

Next week the mass vaccination clinics will begin at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Kennewick, Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee, the Clark County Fairgrounds in Ridgefield, and the Spokane Center in Spokane.

We reported earlier that a mass vaccination clinic is being planned at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds for early next month. It appears to be the product of the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health, Providence St. Mary Medical Center, and other local organizations. It is not currently listed as one of the state’s clinic sites.