You could say a vaccination clinic held Saturday at the Farmers Market was a real shot in the arm in the fight against COVID-19.

Organizers estimated they were on target to administer around 200 vaccinations as the clinic was heading down the home stretch.

“It’s exciting to see all these people waiting in line to do something which will help our community get past this and return to normal,” said Jessica Higgins, one of the many nurses volunteering their time to give the shots on Saturday.

Added nurse Ashley Moore, who was also volunteering her time, “It’s nice to think we could be rounding the corner.”

Graves Family Pharmacy conducted the vaccination clinic in conjunction with the Senior Center and the city of McMinnville. The city provided free use of the Farmers Market, along with tables and chairs.

There were 500 doses available, but the clinic was going to fall short of that lofty goal, even with steady lines all day.

“We actually started a few minutes early because there were so many people in line,” said Senior Center executive director Lana Whitlock. “On Monday, the county’s level drops down to 55 and over. Anyone that age can get vaccinated even if they don’t have any pre-existing health conditions.”

The Senior Center has conducted five vaccination clinics over the past month.

Everyone vaccinated Saturday can return for their second shot to be administered April 17 at the Farmers Market. 

The market will be in session during that time but it usually only has a few vendors this early in the season so space under the Farmers Market pavilion can be shared.