The chance to snag a COVID-19 shot increased as state and federal officials opened the gates for anyone 16 and older to get vaccinated.
In Oregon, that comes as there is a worrisome trend in some areas of the state that COVIDis spreading again. Health officials are really urging people not to act like life is back to normal – not yet.
We also have some news of the day for you but first some useful information to have handy if you’re still waiting to get your shot, courtesy of Reporter Rachel Alexander:
Where can I get a vaccine?
Vaccines in the Salem area are available at:
-Mass vaccination clinics, such as Salem Health’s clinic at the state fairgrounds
-One-day events, like Woodburn Ambulance’s drive-through vaccination event held on Thursdays
-Retail pharmacies, like Walgreens and Rite-Aid
-Some health centers, doctor’s offices and clinics
The Marion County Health Department has a list of local providers, including pharmacies that have appointments.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Salem Health uses an online system to schedule shots at the Salem fairgrounds, Western Oregon University and its Woodburn clinic. New appointments are posted Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, so check back if nothing is available when you first search. Salem Health generally uses the Pfizer vaccine at its fairgrounds clinic, and the Moderna vaccine at its other clinics.
Santiam Hospital in Stayton allows people eligible for a vaccine to pre-register and will contact you to schedule an appointment when they have doses available. Register online here.
Woodburn Ambulance hosts a weekly drive-through vaccination clinic on Thursdays, with pre-registration required. Appointment information is typically posted on the ambulance’s Facebook page the Monday before the clinic. Appointments for the April 8 clinic are available here using access code 2021.
Local pharmacies receiving Covid vaccines include Walgreens, Rite Aid, Safeway, Bi-Mart, Costco, Fred Meyer and Walmart. Each pharmacy has its own online scheduling system.
There are several websites that collect information about local pharmacy vaccine appointments and update it regularly. Though not an official government website, Vaccine Spotter is a useful tool for finding pharmacy openings and lets you search by ZIP code.
The Marion County Health Department website has contact information for several clinics that receive doses of vaccine, and links to pharmacy scheduling websites. The county is also available to help people who can’t schedule online. Get help by calling 503-576-2828.
The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde is making some vaccines available to non-tribal members and allows people to register to receive information when vaccines may be available. More information is available on the tribe’s website.