Mayor Wheeler Provides Information on Vaccinations
As vaccine shipments begin making their way to the community from Washington state, demand for vaccines still outpaces the supply and it may take time to get all residents vaccinated against COVID-19. It will be important to be prepared and continue practicing health and safety measures over the coming months to protect yourself and others.
To help with vaccinations, the City recently partnered with the Kitsap County Emergency Operations Center and Kitsap Public Health District on ramping up a vaccination clinic this week at the St. Michael Medical Center in Bremerton (formerly Harrison Hospital). Participants had to pre-register, and the clinic filled all appointments within the first few hours.
“It’s incredible news that there are vaccines and that they are beginning to roll them out,” said Mayor Wheeler. “However, the demand continues to remain high and vaccines are currently shipping in small batches from the state to our area. While vaccines are a high priority and will continue arriving in the community, it may take several months to meet the demand to vaccinate everyone. In the meantime, people should continue wearing facial coverings, practicing social distancing and following health guidelines to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
“We will not rest until everyone is vaccinated and we will do everything we can to support vaccinations in Kitsap County,” added Mayor Wheeler, who was recently appointed as chair of the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management board of directors.
Along with the clinic at the hospital, the City of Bremerton has provided staff support and planning to Peninsula Community Health Services for vaccinations of first responders and support personnel. The City’s fire department has also assisted in giving vaccinations across the community.
Plans are currently under development for another public vaccination site in Bremerton in anticipation of future vaccine shipments and will be announced once details become available. Due to high demand for vaccines, there is no waiting list for the St. Michael location or future vaccine clinics at this time. Certain private providers such as healthcare facilities are also administering vaccinations. Please check with your local healthcare provider if you may be eligible or find a list of other sites in the area here. To sign up for updates to stay informed on state and local vaccination information, visit https://bit.ly/3nW9OuM .
“The City of Bremerton remains ready to respond and support our vaccination partners when we are notified that a vaccine shipment is on the way. We are committed to getting shots in arms as quickly as possible and the City will be ready at a moment’s notice, 24/7, to assist our partners in the effort,” said Mayor Wheeler.
MORE INFORMATION