Persons 75 and older become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination in Oregon on Monday, Feb. 15. Due to limited vaccine availability, not everyone who wishes to become vaccinated will be able to receive the vaccine the first week they are eligible.

Umatilla County Public Health has announced the following opportunities for vaccines for people in Phase 1a, educators and childcare workers, county residents 75 and older and people who received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine on or before Jan. 22:

The health department will hold a drive-thru vaccination clinic Friday, Feb. 19 at the former Gilbert Auto property at 2260 SE Court St. in Pendleton. Participants should register for a time online at bit.ly/ucohealthcovidvaccine or call 541-278-6311 for assistance in English or Spanish if they are unable to access the online form.

Mirasol Family Health Center in Hermiston will offer COVID-19 vaccination by appointment. Existing patients can schedule appointments by calling 541-567-1717. Individuals who are not established patients can email Mirasol@yvfwc.org to be added to the appointment waitlist.

Safeway Pharmacies in Hermiston, Pendleton and Milton-Freewater are now offering limited COVID-19 vaccination by appointment only, through the Federal Pharmacy Partnership. Those currently eligible for vaccination can schedule an appointment at www.safeway.com/COVID-19.

“We understand and share community concern surrounding COVID-19 and vaccine availability,” the health department stated in a news release. “To continue to best serve our community, we request that residents refrain from calling our office with questions regarding vaccine eligibility. We are asking that our Umatilla County residents please visit our website, social media and Oregon Health Authority’s COVID-19 Vaccination webpage for information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and availability. Residents who prefer to receive this information by phone are asked to call 211.”