COVID-19 vaccine arrives in County

By Martha Lanman

Public Health Administrator

DAYTON–The Columbia County Health System has received 300 doses of the Moderna vaccine. According to Martha Lanman Public Health Administrator, Columbia County Health System is preparing to immunize group 1A healthcare workers and first responders this week, and will advance to Phase 1B when given guidance to do so by the Washington State Department of Health.

Columbia County Public Health will be organizing a list of interested individuals who would like the vaccination and fit into Category 1B which is currently defined as essential services, and 1C which is the 65+ and high-risk category. Please note that category 1b and 1c guidelines are still being developed and approved by Washington State Department of Health.

Guidance on vaccine distribution for category 1b and 1c are not being scheduled at this time. Please call Public Health at 509-382-2181 to get your name on the list. Once additional vaccine is acquired in the coming weeks, more information will become available.

Please check Columbia County Public Health Covid19 webpage to receive additional information.

If you need a referral for a COVID-19 test, please contact your healthcare provider or Columbia County Public Health. For any questions regarding possible exposure, please contact Public Health at 509-382-2181.

Continued recommendation to all people living in Columbia County is to take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza such as wear a mask, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash, wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, if soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.