Submitted by Clark County
Clark County’s COVID-19 vaccine allocation is increasing substantially this week. Through 11 weeks, Clark County received an average of 4,175 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine from the Washington State Department of Health. The vaccine was distributed to health care facilities, pharmacies and community vaccination sites throughout the county.
This week, Clark County health care providers will receive 14,140 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Clark County Public Health will work with several of the local health care facilities receiving vaccine to refer people from the county’s waiting list for vaccination appointments. Health care facilities will also schedule appointments with their patients.
Last week, Public Health released data comparing first-dose COVID-19 vaccine allocations for 15 counties – the five counties with the largest, smallest and median size populations. The data showed that Clark County was receiving less vaccine per capita than other counties. The disparity was impacting the county’s ability to get residents vaccinated and hindering efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccine.
The Washington State Department of Health notified Clark County Public Health that additional Pfizer vaccine was available for this week. Public Health worked with local health care providers to place additional vaccine orders.
“We’re thrilled to see the increase in COVID-19 vaccine allocation to Clark County this week,” said Clark County Board of Health Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien. “The additional vaccine will ensure more community members can be protected against COVID-19.”
In addition to the vaccine allocated to health care providers, Clark County Public Health is sending mobile vaccination teams to several housing authority facilities today and tomorrow. Volunteers will vaccinate seniors living in the facilities. Later this week, mobile teams will also return to adult family homes to provide second doses to residents and staff who received their first doses from mobile teams in early February.
Public Health continues to work with community partners to plan for additional mobile and fixed-location vaccination sites. Public Health intends to position sites in locations where residents have not been able to easily access vaccine and among communities and populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
For more information about local COVID-19 vaccination efforts and to submit a request for COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Clark County Public Health COVID-19 vaccine webpage or call 888.225.4625. The Public Health call center operates 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
