LANE COUNTY, Ore. – The first invite-only mass vaccination clinic started on Saturday in Lane County.
RELATED: MORE THAN 1,000 TO BE VACCINATED IN MASS CLINICS IN LANE COUNTY
The clinics are reserved for individuals in groups two and three in Phase 1A.
The goal is to administer about 1,700 doses this weekend.
Several agencies across the county donated extra doses to Lane County Public Health for use at this weekend’s clinics.
Health officials at the clinic told KEZI 9 News that you can expect a 50-60 percent reduction in risk after taking the first injection.
They said the second dose is essential to achieve 95% effectiveness.
On Saturday, 600 doses of Moderna vaccine were administered.
On Sunday, 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be distributed.
Springfield resident Wendy Hoyman works with personal support and received her first dose on Saturday.
“I don’t want to die,” said Hoyman. “I don’t want to go over it if I accidentally pick up and make my friends and family sick. I think everyone should get vaccinated. We need to overcome this. “
There is a waiting period of 15 to 30 minutes after the injection, so that health authorities can monitor any possible reaction.
Eugene’s resident Dan Harris works in a high-risk field and also received his first dose. He said he appreciates the opportunity to be vaccinated.
“This is incredibly well configured, organized and very good,” said Harris.
Dr. Patrick Luedtke of Lane County Public Health said the county plans to use all available doses.
“After tomorrow’s event, we will have nothing left,” said Luedtke. “We will learn on Monday what will be replenished next week.”
Dr. Luedtke said he is hopeful about the launch of mass vaccination clinics, especially as vaccine companies are about to launch Phase 3 trials. This could mean that four vaccines will be on the market by the end of February.
Springfield resident Shirley Lightheart also participated.
“I feel that this is the beginning of how to take care of this pandemic,” said Lightheart. “I just hope people continue.”
Everyone who received the first dose will have to wait 28 days before receiving the second.