Vaccine Update
Vaccine Progress
The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard was launched last 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 for Moderna were sent Monday. The email includes links to register for appointments. The Pfizer 2nd dose emails went out today. The emails have links to register for the 2nd dose. If you register for an appointment by phone and do not have an email you will be contacted regarding your 2nd dose by phone.
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.
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. 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.
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 8:00-5:00.
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.
