No appointment needed at Tacoma Dome mass vaccination site
Tacoma Dome vaccination site opens
The Tacoma Dome will be a temporary mass vaccination site for the next six weeks. Q13's Franque Thompson reports.
TACOMA, Wash. - A six-week mass vaccination site opens at the Tacoma Dome Tuesday, April 27 with no appointments needed for a COVID-19 vaccine.
The site is open from noon - 8 p.m. daily with a goal of at least 1,170 vaccinations each day. That would mean 34,000 shots in six weeks.
The clinic offers drive-thru and walk-up vaccinations for anyone 16 and older, though 16- and 17-year-olds must have a parent or guardian present to get a shot.
RELATED: State health officials say more than 15 percent of second dose appointments overdue in Washington
Several people said their decision to get vaccinated came after plenty of thought.
"Primarily because I’m concerned about the variants. We don’t know how much it’s going to vary or how quickly. It could turn into a serious, serious thing," said William Johnson after receiving his first dose."
"I think after doing the research and talking to my pediatrician and my OB, I felt comfortable and positive about the experience. And I just want to make sure I’m protected when I get to the hospital and that my baby is protected," said Amanda Owusu, who is 35-weeks pregnant.
Deseree Wilson said, at first, she was hesitant getting the vaccine.
"I just wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it at first, but as time went by and I saw everybody starting to get it and I saw their reaction to it, I said ok I guess I’m ok," said Wilson.
To make the trip more comfortable and efficient, dozens of staff are working the site.
"It’s our community, you know? We want to make sure that everybody gets vaccinated to save us from getting sick, dying, just making this pandemic progress," said medical assistant Alfredo Urueta.
There are also food trucks on-site, according to the Pierce County government.
Pierce County will continue to operate vaccination sites – including second-dose events – in other parts of the county while at the Tacoma Dome. To register for these events, you can go to FindYourCovidShot.com and pick the day you want to get vaccinated.
If you need assistance signing up, they can call 253-798-8900 for help.
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