Opportunities for COVID-19 Vaccines again the week – 510 vaccines given in first-round

January 21, 2021 1:30 am
Traffic control volunteers used every available parking area on Friday, during the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, including down the turn lane on Forks Avenue. At Saturday’s clinic, line-ups were less visible as there was less of a rush at the beginning and the Transit Center parking area had more room available. Photo Christi Baron
Traffic control volunteers used every available parking area on Friday, during the COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic, including down the turn lane on Forks Avenue. At Saturday’s clinic, line-ups were less visible as there was less of a rush at the beginning and the Transit Center parking area had more room available. Photo Christi Baron

Vaccine Update: FCH notified the Forks Forum just before press-time that the vaccine clinics would now include those age 65 and older.

Organizers of the first COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Forks said, “it went really well, we had the Coast Guard also show up to help and that was such a blessing.”

Volunteering at the clinics were Hospital Administration, Fire Chief Bill Paul, FPD Chief Rowley, city attorney Rod Fleck, Tim Wade with FCH, and QVSD Superintendent Diana Reaume. They volunteered the entire day on Friday and were back on Saturday. On Friday they administered 260 vaccinations.

Janet Schade, FCH pharmacist said, “It is truly remarkable the way all agencies were able to come together and organize a successful vaccination clinic in less than a week’s time. Planning was 100 percent patient-focused leading to a smooth workflow, from parking, to forms, to administration of the vaccination, and data entry. Our community should be proud of what we accomplished.”

“On Saturday things went a bit smoother and we administered 250 vaccines for a total of 510 over the two days,” shared Shannon Damron, FCH Marketing & Foundation Coordinator.

She added, “There will be another vaccination clinic next Friday and Saturday for phase 1A individuals that have not yet gotten their vaccine, and phase 1B (Tier1). Should another phase open, we will plan accordingly.”

Quillayute Valley School District, the City of Forks, and Forks Community Hospital will be hosting another vaccination clinic for persons in the Phase 1B (Tier 1) group Friday, Jan. 22, and Saturday, Jan. 23, starting at 10 a.m. ending at 3 p.m.

If you are 65 or older, or 50 years and older who live in a multigenerational household, you can receive a free Moderna COVID-19 vaccination. You will need a mask, pen, and photo identification. You will be completing paperwork onsite before receiving your vaccination.

At 10 a.m., eligible individuals who wish to receive their INITIAL DOSE of the COVID-19 vaccine need to arrive at the Peninsula College parking area, located at 481 S. Forks Avenue. Please remain in your car until you are given instructions.

You will receive a number in a first-come, first-serve order that meets the Phase 1B (Tier 1) group criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you will be asked to return at a future date. There are approximately 200 doses available to be given each day.

Again, those 65 or older or 50 years and older who live in a multigenerational household will be given a free Moderna COVID-19 vaccination. Be prepared to be monitored for up to 30 minutes after receiving your vaccination.

Second dosage information will be given to patients at the time of the vaccination.

Additional information regarding other groups will be released as the vaccination clinics are scheduled.

If you have questions, please contact Shawn Shotwell, Community Health Coordinator, at 360-327-8325.

If you have questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination phases, please contact Clallam County Emergency Operations Center at 360-417-2483.