Vaccine appointments now open to people over 70, more education and emergency workers, says joint Humboldt information center Lost Coast Outpost

From the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:

Prioritization of the COVID-19 vaccine extends to all residents of Humboldt County aged 70 and over, all emergency service workers, all licensed child care providers, and all kindergarten to grade 12 and early childhood educators and support staff. These additions will take effect immediately, although appointments remain limited by vaccine supply.

Although the vaccine is still severely limited in the county and statewide, public health officials in Humboldt County believe that vaccination of the groups that were prioritized early has progressed enough to offer appointments to additional people and staff, including:

• People aged 70 and over – All county residents in this age group are eligible.
• Emergency service workers – All police, firefighters and first responders, including volunteer and paid staff.
• K-12 and preschool education, childcare – All staff, paid and volunteers, who work in a K-12 or early childhood education facility as educators or support staff This includes helpers and office staff as well as transport, custody, cafeteria and maintenance workers.

All other health workers in phase 1A can also make appointments when available.

People in the above categories will be contacted directly by their health care provider or Public Health to book an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic. Those who do not have a provider or whose provider is not an approved vaccinator should complete the online County Vaccine Interest Form (humboldtgov.org/InterestForm) to be notified when an appointment is due. available. For assistance completing the form, call the Humboldt County Common Information Center at 707-441-5000.

Please note that people in phase 1A who need to receive a second dose will be given priority. First dose appointments for residents of counties in other levels will be scheduled based on availability.

Public Health plans to open vaccination appointments for people aged 65 and over, those working in higher education and workers in the food and agricultural sector in March or April. This schedule depends on the availability of vaccines.

Find information on local immunization at humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo.

For the most recent information on COVID-19, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours by contacting [email protected] or calling 707-441-5000.