Welcome to Skagit County

April 20, 2021

Play Zone at the COVID-19 Vaccine Site to open on April 20th

Today, on April 20th, the Skagit County Fairgrounds COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic officially opens a new Play Zone for parents and guardians of young children. Skagit County Public Health is contracting with the Children’s Museum of Skagit County in order to provide this exciting new service to our families. The Children’s Museum will staff the Play Zone on clinic days, typically Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am-4pm.

“The timing of the new Play Zone couldn’t be better!” said Jennifer Johnson, Skagit County Public Health Director. “With vaccine eligibility now open to all Washingtonians 16 years and older, it was a huge priority of Public Health and our partners to ensure that parents, who don’t have someone to watch their children, are still able to access a vaccine.”

The Play Zone is available to those who arrive to the Vaccine Site for a first-dose vaccine appointment in the A/B Barn. Second-dose vaccines are administered by drive-thru, so children can stay within the vehicle in this case.

arriving to the site, visitors will receive information about the Play Zone and—if the service is desired—will be asked to fill out a registration form for their child(ren). A health screening will be required for children to enter the Play Zone. Masks will be required for children ages 5+ and encouraged for children ages 2-4. Masks will be provided on site for those who need them.

While there is not an age limit, the space will work best for toddlers and school-age children. The Play Zone is fully stocked with toys, games, books, and art supplies—all of which are provided by the Children’s Museum and sanitized frequently by Play Zone staff. The building is partially open to encourage ventilation, thus it is encouraged that children come dressed for the weather. Staff will not be able to assist with toileting, although diapers and wipes will be available to parents/guardians.

Public Health understands that security is of paramount importance to parents and guardians. Before entering the A/B Barn for their vaccine appointment, parents/guardians will check in their child(ren) at the C Barn next door to the A/B Barn and will be given a pager. If the child(ren) need assistance, the parent/guardian will be notified immediately. Parents and children will also be issued matching wristbands, and only the individual who drops off the child will be able to pick them up after their vaccine appointment.  

For more information about the Skagit County Fairgrounds Vaccination Clinic or to make an appointment, go to: www.skagitcounty.net/COVIDvaccine or call the Vaccine Hotline at (360) 416-1500.

For information about the Children’s Museum of Skagit County, or to learn about the Help me Grow - Family Resource Center, visit: https://www.skagitchildrensmuseum.net/.