LANE COUNTY, Ore – The first mass vaccination invitation class began Saturday in Lane County.
RELATED: More than 1,000 to be vaccinated at mass clinics in the country
The clinics are reserved for individuals in groups two and three of phase 1A.
The goal is to administer nearly 1,700 doses this weekend.
Several agencies across the country donated extra doses to Lane County Public Health to be used for the weekend’s clinics.
Health officials at the clinic told KEZI 9 News that you can expect a 50-60 percent reduction in risk after getting the first chance.
They said the second dose is essential to achieve 95 percent effectiveness.
On Saturday, 600 doses of the Moderna vaccine were administered.
On Sunday, 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be distributed.
Springfield resident Wendy Hoyman is a personal support worker and received her first dose on Saturday.
“I do not want to die,” Hoyman said. ‘I do not want to pass it on if I accidentally pick it up and my friends and family get sick. I think everyone should be vaccinated. We need to get to this. ”
There is a waiting time of 15 to 30 minutes as soon as you get the chance so that health officials can monitor for any possible reaction.
Eugene resident Dan Harris works in a high-risk field and is also receiving his first dose. He said he appreciated the opportunity to be vaccinated.
“It’s incredibly well set up, organized and very fun,” Harris said.
Dr. Patrick Luedtke with Lane County Public Health said the county plans to take every dose they have.
“After tomorrow’s meeting, we have nothing left,” Luedtke said. “We will learn on Monday what we will be provided with again next week.”
Dr. Luedtke said he was hopeful about launching the massive vaccination clinics, especially as vaccine companies release Phase 3 trials. This could mean that four vaccines will be on the market by the end of February.
Springfield resident Shirley Lightheart also weighed in.
“I feel this is the beginning of taking care of this pandemic,” Lightheart said. “I just hope people will follow it.”
Everyone who has received their first dose should wait 28 days before receiving their second dose.