Vaccine Update
Vaccine Progress
The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched on Friday to keep the community informed on the progress of administering COVID-19 vaccines. The dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The data shows that in very simple terms “when we get it, we give it”. We want you to receive the vaccine as soon as possible. When we receive the vaccines, we open appointments and administer them.
2nd Dose
2nd dose notifications will begin to go out this week. Community members who have met their wait period requirement will receive a reminder to schedule their second appointment. The notification will be sent to the contact information provided for the first appointment. Appointments will be opened close to the date you are eligible to receive the second dose but may vary up to two weeks based on availability of vaccines. Those needing their 2nd dose of Moderna over the next two weeks’ time-frame were notified this evening via email that they can make appointments now. They were provided with links to the appointment sites to make their appointments. More reminders will be sent on Wednesday and Friday.
75 and Older
Unfortunately, 80% of COVID-19 deaths have occurred in the 65 and older category and two thirds of those have been 75 or older. Those 75 and older are at risk and have been a focus in the current phase with the limited supply allocated to the County. The next phase will likely begin the end of February, sooner if the supply increases from the State.
Supply
The County of Ventura receives 9-10k vaccines, on average, weekly from the State. There are roughly 110,000 people in the 65-74 age range need the vaccine. The next phase has not yet opened because of the limited supply. There are still people 75 and older in need of vaccines. There was a Federal goal of 100 million doses by the end of December but only 20 million were allocated to the States. This has impacted the supply to the counties. We cannot promise vaccines we do not have. We are only able to open appointments for the vaccines we have to give.
Local Capacity
Currently, the County has high volume vaccine sites at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, at the CenterPoint Mall in Oxnard and at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks. Sites are also located throughout the County at pharmacies. There are plans to also open additional vaccine sites at Nordhoff High School in Ojai, Rose Avenue Shopping Center in Oxnard, Kmart in Santa Paula and at the Ventura County Office of Education in Camarillo. The launch dates for these sites is dependent on the supply of vaccines.
Preparations for administering vaccines began before vaccines were ever sent to the County. This included training staff, preparing infrastructure and preparing sites. A call center and registration portal were also launched. There have been delays in administering doses simply because of supply.
Advocacy
The County of Ventura is advocating at every level for more vaccines. This includes five key areas: 1) Ventura County Public Health is advocating directly with the State representatives with the California Department of Public Health and elected representatives weekly. 2) We are advocating through the California State Association of Counties weekly. 3) We are also advocating through the Kitchen Cabinet. This is a group of representatives from Ventura County and counties throughout California who meet with Governor Newsom’s top-level advisors to address COVID-19 response efforts. 4) Letters have been sent to the Governor from the Board of Supervisors. 5) We are partnering with legislative leaders to advocate for more vaccines. Including Senator Limon, and Assemblymembers Irwin and Bennett.
Current Phase
The County of Ventura is in Phase 1A. This phase includes those in the health care sector and 75 and older.
Community members who are eligible to be vaccinated may
2) Those with limited computer/internet access may call the phone registration line at 805-477-7161. The phone line is open Monday through Friday 8:30-5:00.
- Please do not make multiple appointments.
- Please do not arrive hours early. We know you are excited but we don’t want you to have to stand around waiting.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
- If you need to cancel your appointment please click on the link in your confirmation email or call 805-477-7161 if you made an appointment by phone.
The Area Agency on Aging provides transportation services for older adults that are in need of transportation to a vaccine appointment or for COVID-19 testing. This includes people that need lift assist as well as gurney transportation. The driver will take the individual, wait for them, help them at the site and take them home. To schedule a ride call 805-477-7300. Please note, you must have a vaccine appointment before you schedule a ride to a vaccine site.
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