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The county has so far received 114,000 doses of the vaccine, while it is estimated that more than 700,000 are currently eligible for a vaccine under the state’s plan, including about 343,000 people aged 65 or older, according to the county executive office.
“It’s not a volunteer issue. It’s not a site issue. It’s a vaccine issue,” said supervisor Karen Spiegel. “We have had plans in place for mass distribution for some time. Plans and locations are not the issue. We do not have enough vaccines available to meet demand.”
RELATED: Riverside County Begins Administering COVID Vaccines to Newly Eligible People, Including Those 65 and Over
Executive office spokeswoman Brooke Federico said the county typically receives shipments of weekly doses and they are either distributed to providers or administered at a public health vaccination clinic within two to three days.
She said nearly 80% of the doses received so far have gone to state-approved providers, including hospitals, doctors, clinics and pharmacies to vaccinate currently eligible workers and residents, but the offer remains “extremely limited”.
Meanwhile, locals anxious to get the shots taken to the county’s phone lines and planning website. The county opened about 11,000 appointment slots on Friday at four clinics next week in Corona, Menifee, Beaumont and Indio. All were filled in a matter of hours.
RELATED: Vaccine Rollout in Riverside County Hindered by Ineligible People Signing Up for Appointment, Health Officials Say
Clinic appointments to receive the vaccine are currently booked until Friday, according to Federico.
“There are over 175 state-approved vaccine providers in Riverside County. Residents should ask their doctor, emergency room or pharmacy if they are an approved provider and when they expect to receive the vaccine, ”she said.
A full list of Riverside County suppliers can be found here.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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