January 30, 2021 7:30 a.m.

A mass vaccination event for educators is being held Saturday in Douglas Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Douglas Education Service District and Aviva Health are holding the invitation only event from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for early learning and K-12 staff who fall within the Oregon Health Authority’s Phase 1b vaccine prioritization schedule.

Aviva Health acquired the supply of Moderna vaccines from the Douglas Public Health Network.

In cooperation with DPHN, the Douglas County COVID-19 Response Team, Umpqua Health Alliance, Umpqua Community College, Douglas ESD and other volunteers from across the county, Aviva Health and ESD nursing staff intend to administer first dose vaccinations to as many as 800 people who qualify.

Individuals who arrive at the fairgrounds without proof of registration will not receive the vaccine. Prior to that, patients will be screened for COVID-19. The event will adhere to social distancing protocols.

ESD and Aviva intend to hold similar events as more vaccine doses are available. State officials have made several changes to the vaccine prioritization schedule. The latest eligibility list published by OHA is posted: https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov/

Early Saturday scores of volunteers came to the fairgrounds to help with the event. The parking lot northwest of Douglas Hall was full before 6:30 a.m. as those helping, prepared for the day. News Radio 1240 KQEN took pictures in Douglas Hall before the vaccination event began.