— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Anne Blankenship Patrick Olmstead receives the one-dose Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic Thursday afternoon at Hamilton County Public Health. The health department vaccinated 300 individuals during the clinic. The department received an unexpected donation of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine earlier this week.

Three hundred individuals took advantage of a vaccination clinic held Thursday at the Hamilton County Public Health offices, 1610 Collins St.

Those attending had a chance to receive the Johnson and Johnson single dose COVID-19 shot. The health department received an unexpected allotment of the single-dose vaccine this week, according to Shelby Kroona, administrator.

Kroona said those attending the clinic traveled not just from Hamilton County but from other locations around the state. There is no residency requirement for vaccination appointments.

Recently, Gov. Kim Reynolds opened up vaccine eligibility to anyone over age 16, starting this week.

Appointments are also being taken for the mass clinics on Saturdays at Briggs Woods Conference Center. At that clinic, the two dose Moderna vaccine will be administered.

To make an appointment to receive the vaccine, call Hamilton County Public Health at 832-9565.

Kroona said that by the end of April, about 50 percent of Hamilton County residents will have received the vaccine. The Moderna vaccine uses mRNA technology to help a patient’s immune system generate immunity to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Health officials say it typically takes about 2 weeks for one to build up immunity to COVID-19. Kroona reminded those who have received the vaccine that they still should use masks, social distance and continue to wash hands frequently.