In a move that will significantly expand the number of people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, state health officials said Friday that as of March 15, shots can be given to people over the age of 16 suffering from medical conditions or with developmental disabilities, making them susceptible to severe illness or death from the virus.
The move comes amid a continuing shortage of vaccine supplies, but there is growing pressure to make photos available to people most at risk of dying or becoming seriously ill if they contract the virus.
According to a bulletin sent to providers across the state, the California Department of Public Health has reported that vaccinations can be given to people between the ages of 16 and 64 who suffer from:
- cancer;
- chronic kidney disease;
- chronic lung disease;
- Down syndrome;
- weakened immune system from solid organ transplantation;
- task;
- sickle cell disease;
- heart disease;
- severe obesity
- Type 2 diabetes.
It will also make available for vaccines any person aged 16 or over who suffers from a “severe disability or high risk” that leaves the person susceptible to serious illness or death due to COVID; whether the acquisition of COVID will limit the person’s ability to receive ongoing care or services or whether the disability would impede the person’s ability to be treated for COVID.
The state already allows vaccinations for anyone aged 65 or over, regardless of health status. When the new eligibility goes into effect on March 15, the number of Californians who will be eligible to receive photos under existing guidelines will increase to 19 million.
To date, more than 5 million doses have been administered throughout California. Current vaccines require each person to receive two doses, spaced three to four weeks apart.