SLO Co. to start vaccinating people aged 75 and over next week



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UPDATE: SLO Co. Public Health says all appointments for next week have been booked.

ORIGINAL STORY: People 75 years and older in San Luis Obispo County will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine starting Monday.

The San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department said vaccines will only be distributed by appointment at two clinics in SLO County.

This age group is the first group in Phase 1B of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in SLO County. So far, only those in phase 1a were eligible.

“We need to allocate our limited vaccine supply based on who is most at risk for serious illness or death from COVID-19,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, SLO County Public Health Officer. “Here in SLO County, more than three-quarters of those who have died from COVID-19 were 75 years of age or older. They are at greater risk of serious illness or death than other age groups. By allowing them to get vaccinated now, we are all helping to avoid the most serious consequences. “

Although California announced earlier this week that those 65 and over may also start receiving the vaccine, SLO County said people aged 65 to 74 will be included in a later part of Phase 1b.

“SLO County is home to more than 26,000 residents aged 75 and over, but it only has enough vaccines next week to immunize 4,000 people,” health officials said. “As more vaccines become available, the county will aim to serve up to 1,000 people per day at each clinic.”

The Paso Robles clinic at the Paso Robles Event Center can take up to 400 appointments per day and the San Luis Obispo site can take up to 750.

When more vaccines arrive, a third clinic in South County will open.

“Given the expected high demand, we are asking anyone eligible for vaccination who may have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, or anyone who can continue to stay home safely without visitors , to wait a little longer to register for an appointment, ”said Dr. Borenstein.

Health workers in phase 1a can still receive vaccines.

Health workers say more than 11,000 people in this phase have been vaccinated locally to date.

To make an appointment, click here or call (805) 543-2444.



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