San Mateo County officials announced on Thursday that, starting February 22, they will extend COVID-19 vaccinations to teachers and child care providers, first responders and food and agricultural workers who are eligible in Phase 1B of the state, depending on supply.
“We understand that people are claiming the vaccine and we need to move as soon as possible for this to happen as soon as possible,” Carole Groom, San Mateo County’s supervisor, said in a statement. “We must do everything we can, under the constraints we have to limit the enormity of the pandemic, because COVID-19 continues to destroy our community.”
Following the statewide system, the county, in partnership with private providers, has focused on immunizing health care workers, long-term caregivers and the elderly, since Pfizer and Moderna vaccines became available in December. . As of this week, a third of people aged 65 and over in San Mateo County have received the first dose of vaccine, according to the county.
This effort will be extended on 22 February to include eligible essential workers such as educators, childcare providers, law and enforcement and food and agricultural workers, which includes certain grocery store employees, such as allows limited vaccine supply.
“Getting vaccines in the arms of San Mateo County residents is our highest and most urgent priority,” said county supervisor Dave Pine, who along with Groom is part of a COVID-19 subcommittee. Pine added that serious supply constraints complicate efforts and required patience and understanding.
The reason for waiting until February 22 to extend eligibility is that it allows the county and partners to focus on vaccinating health care workers and residents 65 and older who are at the highest risk of death from coronavirus. More than 8 out of 10 of the 447 deaths in San Mateo – 84% – are people aged 65 or over.
The county, through San Mateo County Health and the county-run San Mateo Medical Center, works closely with private health care providers, community organizations and other partners to vaccinate eligible residents. As vaccine supply allows, the county on Feb. 22 will provide immunization pathways for newly eligible residents who cannot access the vaccine through their regular health care provider, according to the county.
The county works with organizations representing educators, child care workers, law enforcement and restaurant workers and farmers to support vaccination plans based on an equity framework. The county will encourage local health care providers to vaccinate priority populations in low-income neighborhoods whenever possible before opening appointments for the wider eligible population, according to officials.
Nearly 85,000 people have received a first dose of the vaccine since Sunday. Nearly 20,000 have completed the series of two-dose vaccines.