By Pepper Fisher

PORT ANGELES – About 1800 people were vaccinated in Port Angeles over the weekend. That’s a little less than they’ve done on some weekends because the turnout wasn’t as robust for the 1B1 group, which is 50-and-above in a multi-generational household.

Health Officer Dr. Berry isn’t quite sure if it’s because it’s not a very large group in our county, or if it was a matter of messaging.

“We’re thinking of getting the word out a little more about that. On this next week’s registration there should still be some more folks who can come get vaccinated. But it is possible that we are reaching the point where we have vaccinated most of the people in this tier. And so then the big challenge is just, how fast we can move forward to the next tier, B-2.”

Folks will be able to register again starting at 9:00a.m. Wednesday, and there are 2 Sequim events scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday of this week. Dr. Berry says there is one group that may not be aware of their current eligibility.

“One of the group’s we think is not getting vaccinated enough right now is home care aides. So, if you provide home health care services in any capacity, you are eligible to get vaccinated regardless of your age.”

If registrations for the B-1 group slow way down though, Dr. Berry says we’ll move right on to the next.

“Yes, the next tier is B-2, which is critical infrastructure workers over the age of 50. And so that’s where you start moving into grocery store workers, teachers, jail and corrections and courts, meat processing and food processing. Kind of that group of folks who work very closely together with other people, and we know face a significant risk of getting exposed to the virus.”