Leader photo by Nick Twietmeyer

Jefferson Healthcare announced late last week that it would be moving away from providing mass vaccinations at its drive-thru clinic.

Jefferson Healthcare has successfully given out more than 23,000 shots of the vaccine to patients. With 68 percent of patients 16 and older having received their first dose and more than half of Jefferson County’s population fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, officials said the time has come for the hospital to return to focusing on long-term medical needs within the community. 

The hospital district said it will be directing its clients who are seeking their COVID-19 vaccines to other pop-up and walk-in clinics throughout the county.

The Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management and Jefferson County Public Health, along with three local pharmacies — Port Townsend Safeway, QFC in Port Hadlock, and the Tri-Area Pharmacy in Port Hadlock — will continue to provide the community with vaccination events.

Wednesday, May 19 will be the last day the hospital district will be holding mass vaccinations, at least in the foreseeable future. Jefferson Healthcare will continue to offer COVID-19 testing at its drive-thru testing station for individuals showing symptoms of the coronavirus and for patients who will undergo medical procedures.

Those seeking to get their vaccines may still do so at the following events: Wednesday, May 19 at the Jefferson Healthcare drive-thru location (Pfizer vaccine, first dose for ages 12 and older); and Saturday,
May 22 at Chimacum High School (Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for ages 18 and older).

Previously scheduled second-dose clinics at Jefferson Healthcare’s drive-thru clinic will still be held.