LONGVIEW, Washington — A COVID-19 vaccination site will be open at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds this Wednesday and Thursday, February 24 and 25. People eligible in Phase 1A or Phase 1B (Tier 1) who live or work in Cowlitz County can schedule an appointment to get vaccinated starting at 12pm today.
Vaccination is by appointment only. Appointments must be made in advance. Visit www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/covidvaccine after 12pm today to schedule an appointment.
Based on current vaccine supply, an estimated 1,100 vaccinations will be given at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds (1900 7th Ave, Longview, WA) this week via drive-thru and walk-in appointments. Appointments will open for February 24 and 25 only and are expected to fill up quickly. More appointments will be added as vaccine becomes available.
“We’re pleased that more people can get vaccinated in Cowlitz County. Reducing barriers to access COVID-19 vaccine continues to be our top priority,” said Carole Harrison, Cowlitz County Health and Human Services Director. “We appreciate your patience as we prepare to launch this new vaccination site, and as we advocate for larger vaccine allocations from the state and federal government.”
Cowlitz County Health and Human Services is coordinating the vaccination site with Safeway, a federally-enrolled vaccine provider. Added logistical support comes from Cowlitz County Emergency Management and other local partners as well as an incident management team helping Cowlitz, Clark and Skamania counties setup vaccination sites across the three-county region.
"Safeway is thrilled to be partnering with Cowlitz County and making vaccine more accessible to its residents,” said Stephen Certo, Safeway Director of Pharmacy for Oregon and Southern Washington. “We hope to continue to be able to vaccinate the residents of Cowlitz County throughout the upcoming phases.”
Safeway pharmacists will administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds this week. The vaccine doses were received as part of Safeway’s Federal Pharmacy Partnership. For now, only first dose appointments will be accepted at the site.
People who schedule an appointment will automatically receive a confirmation email or text message from Safeway, depending on the contact method they select. Everyone who receives their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Cowlitz County Fairgrounds this week will automatically be scheduled to receive their second dose at the site exactly three weeks later.
Cowlitz County Health and Human Services does not have access to Safeway’s online appointment scheduler and cannot assist with scheduling questions. People who experience problems scheduling an appointment can call a Safeway representative for assistance between 9am-6pm on Monday-Friday: (253) 259-6312.
Prior to getting vaccinated, people must complete a consent form for Washington State. The form can be downloaded from the online appointment scheduler or obtained at the vaccination site. Proof of health insurance is highly recommended, but is not required. No other form of personal identification is required to get vaccinated at the site.
People should arrive no more than 10 minutes early for their scheduled appointment. Drivers should enter at Washington Street and 3rd Avenue (behind the fairgrounds) and exit at 7th Avenue. People who have a walk-in appointment should enter and exit at 7th Avenue. Face coverings must be worn. People who are getting vaccinated should dress in clothing that allows vaccinators to easily access their upper arm.
Everyone, even those who have been vaccinated, should continue to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. That includes wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distancing and avoiding gatherings. These steps are critical to keeping our community healthy until more people can be vaccinated.
For more information, visit the Cowlitz County Health and Human Services vaccine webpage.
Media availability
Media will have the opportunity to visit the site between 10-11:30am on Wednesday, February 24 by appointment only. Contact Stefanie Donahue at (360) 414-5599, ext. 6451 or donahues@co.cowlitz.wa.us to schedule a visit.
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Contact: |
Stefanie Donahue
Communications Manager Cowlitz County Health and Human Services (360) 414-5599, ext. 6451 donahues@co.cowlitz.wa.us |
Release #: 21-008 |