Yesterday, Klamath County Public Health gave vaccine to several local clinics. Distributions were intended to continue service to local residents age 80 and older. The distribution included:

• Klamath Health Partnership (Klamath Open Door): 10 doses
• Wholesome Family Medicine: 50 doses
• Merrill and Bonanza Clinics: 200 doses
• Sky Lakes Medical Center: 500 first doses and 500 second doses

It was reported over the weekend that Sky Lakes vaccinated 514 people in the 80-and-over population, while Klamath Health Partnership vaccinated 162.

Public Health is in weekly conversations with clinics to help guide the distribution of vaccine. Some clinics are also receiving allocations from the state.

Klamath Health Partnership and Wholesome Family Medicine are only serving established patients at each respective clinic.

Those 80 and older may schedule with Sky Lakes Medical Center by calling 1-833-606-4370.

Those in their 80s may also walk in at the Merrill and Bonanza Clinics.

Doses are limited. Not everyone who wants a vaccine will receive one immediately. Please continue to be patient.

Vaccine eligibility for the 80+ population formally began today, with the 75+ population following on Feb. 15. There are 5,000 people in Klamath County aged 75 and older. It will take several weeks to complete this group.

The Governor’s statewide vaccine advisory council has not provided guidance or timelines for other groups. This includes those with chronic conditions.

Those who are part of Phases 1-A and 1-B, group 1, may continue to schedule first doses. 

There is no registry for vaccination. Also, there is no estimate for when other groups will become eligible for vaccine.

Valerie Lane, Public Health Officer for Klamath County Public Health