County and Samaritan plan first and second dose vaccine clinics at Reser

Benton County and Samaritan Health Services are partnering to host the first round of second dose mass COVID-19 vaccinations at Reser Stadium on the Oregon State University campus on Thursday, February 25, and Friday, February 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. First doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered to eligible individuals at the clinics. 

The previous week’s storm system that delayed vaccine shipments nationwide has continued to cause logistical issues. As a result, Benton County and Samaritan will use the Moderna vaccine for second dose appointments only and the Pfizer vaccine will be used for first dose appointments only. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are not interchangeable.

Currently the Moderna vaccine is only approved for use in adults 18 and older. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Moderna vaccine under an emergency use authorization (EUA) in December 2020. More information about Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine can be found on the EUA fact sheet. 

At this time, the Pfizer vaccine is only approved for use in people 16 and older. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer vaccine under an emergency use authorization (EUA) in December 2020. More information about Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine can be found on the EUA fact sheet. 

To broaden access to those without email, Benton County’s Emergency Operations Center and Samaritan Health Services have implemented processes to call eligible individuals who have completed the County’s mandatory vaccine assessment survey and indicated phone is the only method of communication for scheduling.

All vaccination planning and distribution depend on the availability of the vaccine. The Oregon Health Authority projects it will take 12 to 15 weeks to vaccinate currently eligible groups. Eligible individuals interested in future clinics are encouraged to complete Benton County’s vaccine needs assessment survey to be notified about future vaccination scheduling opportunities. The survey is available online in English and Spanish. 

 Vaccinations will take place on the stadium’s east concourse adjacent to gates A, B and C on Parker Plaza.

Free parking will be available for vaccination clinic patients only in clearly marked areas of the Reser Stadium parking lot located at Southwest Western Boulevard and Southwest 26th Street across from the LaSells Stewart Center on the OSU campus. During the vaccination clinic, this parking area will be closed to OSU commuter parking. OSU permit holders may park in any open lot within their permitted zone, including C zone spaces located to the west of Reser Stadium, which can be accessed from the entrance on Southwest 30th Street.