Marion County is still lagging behind the necessary level of vaccination to more fully reopen.
As of Wednesday, June 2, only 56.6% of county residents had been vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 22,000 vaccinations would need to be completed before more pandemic restrictions are relaxed. The current target is 70% statewide. Marion County is still closer to the target than many Oregon counties, but six others are within spitting distance of the 70% mark, including Oregon’s two most populous counties.
There is no cost to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and no proof of identity or social security number is required. Salem Health is now offering walk-in (no appointment) vaccinations at its State Fairgrounds site near the LB Day Amphitheatre. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Cars should enter the fairgrounds from Sunnyview Road and proceed to Cascade Hall. Everyone 16 or older is eligible for the vaccination.
In Keizer, vaccination appointments are available at Rite Aid, Walgreens and Safeway.
Hoping to boost Oregon’s vaccination rate, Oregonians who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination will be entered to win $1 million cash. One $10,000 winner will be selected from each county in the state.
Teens won’t be eligible for cash prizes, but vaccinated Oregonians age 12 to 17 could win one of five $100,000 college scholarships in the form of an Oregon College Savings Plan account.
The deadline to be entered into any of the prize drawings is June 27.