UCSD begins vaccinating 65 and over against COVID-19

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – UC San Diego Health is expanding vaccination efforts and on Thursday began vaccinating patients 65 and older against COVID-19, marking the start of a new phase in the vaccine rollout in the region .

UC San Diego Health has now moved to Phase 1B-Tier 1, which includes people aged 65 and over. And those who may be exposed to work in education, child care, emergency services, food and agriculture.

The plan is to start vaccinating 500 patients per day. And due to a limited vaccine supply, those doses will go to patients whose medical histories make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.

“Eligible patients will receive a direct invitation to be vaccinated via their electronic medical record or a direct call from their health care provider. Patients are advised to wait for their invitation for vaccination to avoid overloading phone lines and to benefit of continuing care and services, “according to a statement from UCSD.

At a press conference on Wednesday, San Diego County leaders said the county is still trying to get everyone vaccinated in Phase 1A, which includes health workers and staff.

Supervisory board chairman Nathan Fletcher said the county would also need to build a capable large-scale distribution system and enough staff to administer the vaccines. There are plans to add super vaccination sites in South Bay, North County and East County.

For now, vaccine doses are still primarily intended for nursing home residents and healthcare workers in San Diego County, the state’s highest priority immunization group.

Scripps Health, Sharp Healthcare, and Kaiser all said they are still working on eligible healthcare workers in Phase 1A.