County fairgrounds vaccine clinic closing June 26

The final day to drive-up or make an appointment for a first-dose COVID-19 vaccine at the Skagit County Fairgrounds is Saturday, June 5. Skagit County Public Health is closing out first-dose vaccine services at the fairgrounds following this date and will focus primarily on second-dose vaccinations until June 26 when the site will close permanently. This allows Public Health to right-size operations and serve the community via convenient locations at additional mobile clinics.

Anyone 12 years and older are encouraged to access their first-dose Pfizer vaccine at the fairgrounds between now and June 5. After June 5, individuals may still receive a first-dose Pfizer vaccine from the fairgrounds location, but they will not be guaranteed their second-dose at the fairgrounds. Skagit Public Health will work with these individuals to locate a second-dose vaccine with a provider in Skagit County.

Starting June 6 the fairgrounds will operate on reduced hours: Thursdays 1-7 p.m .; Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. People will continue to be able to access a vaccine by appointment or walk-up during operating hours.

“It’s been an honor to provide this service at the fairgrounds and we’re so happy with the thousands of people we’ve been able to vaccinate with this model,” said Jennifer Johnson, Skagit County Public Health director. “But we’re hearing clearly from the community and partners that mobile clinics in more convenient locations is what’s needed now. We want to be responsive to the needs of our community, so we’re taking the show on the road and vaccinating people where they’re at.”

Skagit Public Health has already been engaging in mobile outreach efforts, including with seniors, home-bound, agricultural workers and homeless populations. Pop-up vaccination events have been planned through August and more will be added in the weeks to come. Public Health will have Pfizer and/or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines available to those eligible at a variety of community events, including:

• Tuesday, June 1: Pine Street Park, Mount Vernon (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

• Friday, June 4: Drive-in Movie, Skagit Valley College (8-10 p.m.)

• Tuesday, June 8: Pine Street Park, Mount Vernon (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

• Saturday, June 19: Mount Vernon Farmers Market

“These pop-up clinics will be extremely low barrier,” Jennifer Johnson said. “Appointments will not be required and as always, vaccines will be provided at no cost to anyone eligible, regardless of residency status or medical coverage.”

There are many provider locations available in Skagit County. Providers are listed at vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov/ or call the Vaccine Hotline, (360) 416-1500.

For information about the Skagit County Fairgrounds Clinic: skagitcounty.net/COVIDvaccine.