Walla Walla County Department of Community Health (DCH) is leading community vaccination efforts, in partnership with community organizations, including Providence St. Mary/Providence Medical Group. DCH is actively planning vaccination clinics; however, scheduling is based on the availability of the vaccine, which is variable and unpredictable. The hope is to offer vaccine clinics frequently, in a central, easily accessible location. DCH is committed to sharing information timely and transparently and is working to keep their website and Facebook page updated with current information and will also be sending media releases as appropriate.
We are encouraged by the interest in the community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage everyone to get vaccinated when it’s available to them, as it is a key step in saving lives and ending the pandemic. We appreciate the community’s understanding that the number of people wanting and eligible to receive the vaccine far exceeds the number of doses of vaccine we currently have available. It will take time, patience and community partnerships to vaccinate everyone who wants to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
We are experiencing high call volumes at the hospital and our clinics. We are not able to answer questions regarding vaccine availability or schedule vaccine appointments over the phone. For information on vaccine phases, including when you and your family will be eligible to receive the vaccine and information on vaccine clinics/appointments, please visit the Washington State Department of Health website and click on the Vaccine Phase Finder Tool. Please also visit the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health website and the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding community vaccine events. DCH has convened a task force to work with local community partners to reach those who do not have Internet access and those who face other barriers to getting vaccinated. Additionally, Washington State Department of Health has installed a COVID-19 Vaccine hotline 1-800-525-0127 Press #, to assist residents who may not have access to a computer.
Please know the health and well-being of our caregivers, our patients and our community remains our highest priority. Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep you and our communities safe by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently. Stay safe and be well.
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