Scott Swanson
The Linn County Public Health Department will resume hosting free weekly primary and secondary COVID-19 vaccination clinics starting Tuesday, Sept. 21, at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center.
Todd Noble, Linn County Health administrator, said the reason for the re-start of the clinics is the county is preparing for “possible booster clinics.”
No booster shots will be given at this time. Vaccines currently available at the clinic will include Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.
“We’re still only at 61 percent (vaccination rate) as a community,” Noble said. “Right now people can get vaccinted throughout the community, at many pharmacies, but when boosters become avaialble, it seems to make sense to flood the community with access.”
He said he anticipates increased demand for vaccinations as mandates for healthcare workers and state workers kick in.
“There seems to be a move in many ways,” Noble said. “For example, concerts going on at the Moda Center – you have to show vaccination proof to get into those things.”
The county clinics will be drive-through format at the Santiam Building on the west side of the Expo Center. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Appointments are suggested.
Noble said he’s encouraging hitherto-reluctant residents to get vaccinated, with the rise of COVID cases following the arrival of the Delta variant.
According to state reports, Linn County has had 8,091 reported COVID cases with 85 deaths through Friday, Sept. 17, the last day that data was available before The New Era’s deadline. The county reported 64% of residents have been vaccinated.
Sweet Home had a 41.3% vaccination rate. Lebanon’s was 51.8.
“Before Delta arrived, things were going well – very positive,” Noble said. “Delta is a game-changer. Look at the hospital rates. The rates we’ve had in the last week have been the highest in pandemic.”
He said county officials are “starting to see people who have been hesitant” show up to be vaccinated.
“Since it’s off emergency status, been approved, there seems to be more interest,” he said of the vaccines. “I think the numbers across the state are ticking up in the right direction. It’s not dramatic yet.
“The main thing for us, there’s lots of misinformation out there,” Noble said. “These vaccinations are safe, effective. It’s not matter of if you get COVID, but when. Again, it’s really a process of hoping people will consider it.
“I just want to encourage the reluctant to consider these life-saving vaccines. This pandemic will not end until we get enough people vaccinated, herd immunity.
“This whole pandemic could be gone in six weeks.”
INFO:
Sept. 21 available times: bit.ly/3Ct6z4O
Sept. 22 available times: bit.ly/2VZd93u
Check the Linn County Health Department website for new appointment links each week.