Providing you the latest information on COVID-19 vaccine supply and distribution
With the recent announcement that California vaccine guidelines were expanded to include everyone age 65 and older, we’ve received many inquiries regarding eligibility and access to the COVID-19 vaccine. We want to provide an update with the latest information on vaccine supply and distribution.
Vaccine supply
Expanding California vaccine guidelines to include everyone age 65 and older increases eligibility by nearly 6 million people in the state. Unfortunately, the vaccine supply to distributors has not yet been increased to vaccinate that many people. Right now, vaccines are in extremely short supply for all vaccine distributors across the country, including the County of Ventura.
As a vaccine distributor, the County of Ventura is organized and prepared to distribute the vaccine as we receive supply. As of January 19, we have administered more than 30, 741 first doses of vaccines in Ventura County from the 33,025 that have been provided to the County. This is a 93% administration rate. Each week, we receive a fraction of the vaccine required to meet our demand. Our ability to expand and speed vaccine distribution depends on vaccine supply made available to our state. At the current rate, we’re looking at vaccine distribution that is much slower than any of us find acceptable. We’re doing all we can to get additional vaccine supply as soon as possible.
Vaccine distribution
Like many, consistent with state recommendations and due to the vaccine supply shortage, we’re currently continuing to vaccinate the following priority groups in Phase 1A:
- Health care workers
- Long-term care patients
As supply becomes available, we’ll begin offering vaccine appointments to individuals age 75 and older in alignment with California Department of Public Health guidelines.
What to do now
- If you’re a health care worker, please register online at www.venturacountyrecovers.org
- If you’re age 75 or older, you will be able to make a phone appointment or register online once your phase opens. We will provide you with instructions on how to make an appointment when the phase opens likely in 2 to 3 weeks.
- All community members can stay informed on phases on the vaccine page of our website at www.venturacountyrecovers.org.
The pace of vaccination is dependent on supply
We’re committed to getting COVID-19 vaccines to our communities as soon and as equitably as possible. We’ve added capacity so that as more supplies become available, we’ll be able to vaccinate many more community members at additional locations.
We anticipate vaccine supply to ramp up over the coming weeks — but vaccine supply and eligibility may vary across counties. We’ll keep you updated on vaccine eligibility and availability.
In the meantime, please continue to stay home, wear a mask, and protect yourself and your loved ones. Your health remains our top priority.
