GRESHAM, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority is opening about a dozen high-volume COVID-19 vaccination sites across the state. This comes with the increase in demand for booster shots.
The latest site to open is located at Greyhound Park in Wood Village. On Sunday, the staff greeted a long line of cars for opening day.
“We want to do 500, a thousand doses of vaccine per day at these sites. That’s the intent there," said public information officer Jonathan Modie with the Oregon Health Authority.
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Modie said some sites that are already open in places like Beaverton are administering about 1,300 doses each day.
KATU spoke to people in line who said with new options, they made the decision to get a booster shot.
“Anything that can be done to make it easier for people to get the shots, take away barriers, take away excuses to not do it is probably for the best," Jason Burrows said.
For others, the vaccine was top of mind ahead of the holiday season.
“We’re going to be traveling for the Christmas period, and being around I’ve got high school-aged kids, and I just think it’s part of doing our part too, to get the vaccine," Adam Campbell said.
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KATU asked health officials if this means the state is moving backward when it comes to battling the coronavirus. Modie said he sees this as progress, not a bad sign, but a new option to meet rising demand.
“These high-volume clinics really show how critical it is. Now is the time to get vaccinated, as we expect a surge, protect yourself before that expected surge happens," he said.
The sites offer all three COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Booster shots and pediatric doses are also available. All OHA sites are walk-up or drive-thru only, and no insurance or appointments are needed.
Other OHA sites opening this month include:
Baker County Fairgrounds
Clackamas County, Abundant Life Church
Columbia County Fairgrounds
Deschutes County Fairgrounds
Jackson County Expo Center
Marion County, Oregon Health Authority Warehouse
Multnomah County, Wood Village – Multnomah Greyhound Park
Multnomah County, Gresham – Winter Wonderland (former Kmart site)
Union County, Union County Fairgrounds (4-H/Mt. Emily Building)
Washington County, Pacific University
Washington County, Tektronix, Beaverton