Vaccine second doses to be focus next week at fairgrounds

Clark County’s COVID-19 mass vaccination site will only offer vaccine second doses the week of Feb. 14, except for first dose appointments at the Ridgefield site that were rescheduled due to winter weather closures on Feb. 12 and 13.

There will be limited availability for first-dose appointments anywhere in Clark County the week of Feb. 14.

Medical providers requested about 170,000 second doses for the week, more than the state’s allocation of 92,325 second doses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will also delay vaccine delivery until Tuesday due to weather concerns across the country, according to a state Department of Health news release. Because of these two issues, people who need to make an appointment for their first dose will likely not be able to do so next week, and some who have appointments for a first dose might be asked to reschedule.

First doses will be prioritized for long-term care facilities and adult family homes; mass vaccination sites in King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Spokane counties; and other sites throughout the state that address equity.

“We are monitoring the distribution of doses closely and making adjustments as needed,” said Dr. Umair A. Shah, Washington Secretary of Health. “While the limited availability of first doses will be challenging this coming week, focusing on second doses will help pave the way for an improved and more sustainable allocation of vaccines in future weeks.”