How much will a vaccine cost?
There are very minimal barriers to accessing a vaccine. The federal government is covering the cost of vaccine, making it no-cost for those with or without insurance.
What will I need to bring with me when I come to the Fairgrounds?
For those receiving their second dose, please bring your Vaccine Card with you. This card will be given out when individuals receive their first dose, and will have your name, date of first dosage, and vaccine type given.
You will not need your insurance card to access an appointment at the Skagit County Fairgrounds Clinic. Vaccines are provided free of cost to all insured and uninsured individuals.
Are interpreters available for non-english speaking individuals?
Yes, we have Spanish-speaking staff on site.
How many vaccines can be administered each day at this location?
The number of individuals who can be vaccinated will depend on allocations from the federal and state government. With adequate supply, Public Health’s capacity to vaccinate is approximately 300 people per day.
How long does Skagit County Public Health plan to provide community COVID-19 vaccination?
We will conduct vaccination at the Skagit Fairgrounds until June 26th, and will provide pop-up clinics throughout Skagit County for as long as there is adequate supply, and as long as there is community need.
I don't live or work in Skagit County. Can I still get the vaccine here?
Vaccination at the Fairgrounds is available to anyone 12+, regardless of location of work or residence.
Why is a vaccine important?
Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. A COVID-19 vaccine will help to protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience serious illness.
Will it be safe?
The speed in which these vaccines have been developed and the newness of the technology can seem scary to some. It is important to understand that mRNA vaccine technology has been in development for over 10 years. Safety of the current mRNA vaccines approved or under approval review has in no way been compromised, even with a quicker development timeline.
Rather than eliminating steps from traditional development timelines, steps are being conducted simultaneously. Clinical trials include thousands of study participants to generate scientific data and other information for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This data is then analyzed to determine safety and effectiveness.
There are vaccine safety monitoring systems in place to track any possible side effects. If an unexpected adverse event is seen, experts quickly study it further to assess whether it is a true safety concern. Experts then decide whether changes are needed in vaccine recommendations.
How many doses will I need?
All but one of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in Phase 3 clinical trials in the United States need two shots to be effective. The other COVID-19 vaccine uses one shot. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, given 21 days apart. The Moderna vaccine is also a two-dose vaccine, given 28 days month apart. People should anticipate receiving both doses at the same location.
Where can I get more information?
There is so much information right now about the COVID-19 vaccine, but there is also a lot of speculation and misinformation. It is so crucial that we seek out credible information! Please turn to trusted sources for health information, including your healthcare provider and public health experts.
Skagit County Public Health has created a COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline, available in both English and Spanish. Staff will be able to assist you with general vaccine questions, and can provide assistance scheduling appointments for the Fairgrounds clinic and provide information on other vaccine provider locations.
Please call Public Health's main line at (360) 416-1500 Monday – Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more about COVID-19 vaccine planning, development and safety standards, visit the Washington Department of Health website:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/vaccine.
Other helpful links:
