Since opening Thursday, Jan. 7, Salem Health's COVID-19 vaccine distribution center at the state fairgrounds has delivered vaccine to the arms of nurses, firefighters, EMS and many others in OHA's vaccine phase 1a who have been serving our community throughout the pandemic. Over the past four days, Salem Health has vaccinated more than 8,000 Oregonians.

The successful effort has been possible because of collaboration from many partners. Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority provided additional vaccines, as did Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health and Services and Scappoose Fire District. Marion County Public Health provided logistical and facility support. Most importantly, the success belongs to hundreds of unfaltering Salem Health staff who continue to stand up when called upon by their community.

While this is just the start, it is a strong beginning to the long-term endeavor of vaccinating Oregon. The fairground model was able to vaccinate 410 people per hour, and is scalable with additional human resources and vaccine. The Salem Health model shows an effective and efficient way to vaccinate on a large scale and grow immunity in our community. Salem Health intends to operate this vaccine center until the entire state is vaccinated.

As part of its ongoing contribution to state vaccination efforts, Salem Health is working hard to make sure language, transportation and other potential barriers do not prevent someone from getting vaccinated. The fairgrounds vaccine center is located centrally to the county and state. The location is well-known, and accessible by bus.

The fairgrounds vaccine center will be closed Monday, preserving a few hundred doses to re-open Tuesday in anticipation of an additional vaccine delivery that afternoon. Hours will vary until vaccine supply is more predictable. Individuals interested in vaccination at the fairgrounds this week should check for updates on vaccine availability at www.salemhealth.org/covid-vaccine or Salem Health's Facebook page.