San Luis Obispo County received its first shipment of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Public health officials say 1,400 doses of the vaccine will be redistributed to some local pharmacies. Meanwhile, the province’s three public vaccine clinics will continue to administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which received emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration last week, requires only one dose. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two shots.
“From the beginning, our limited supply of vaccine has been our biggest challenge,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, district health officer, said. “The addition of a third manufacturer of vaccines means that more residents will be available to have SLO provinces vaccinated as soon as possible.”
San Luis Obispo County is currently vaccinating health workers and residents 65 and older. Click here to register for an appointment. Vaccine appointments are also available at various local pharmacies.
Some local child care workers and K-12 teachers and staff members who work in person may also now receive the COVID-19 vaccine in SLO County. Health officials say the appointments are scheduled by the County Office of Education and the Child Care Planning Council.
In Santa Barbara County, public health officials expect to receive 3,800 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine next week. It is understood that the doses will be distributed among healthcare providers and used in some public health vaccinations.
Santa Barbara County is currently vaccinating health care workers, residents aged 65 and over, and workers in the education / child care, food / agriculture and emergency services sectors. Click here for more information on how to make an appointment.