San Luis Obispo County received its first shipment of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
County public health officials say 1,400 doses of vaccine will be reallocated to local pharmacies for administration. Meanwhile, the three public vaccination clinics in the county will continue to administer Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which last week received an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, requires a single dose. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two photos.
“From the beginning, our biggest challenge has been the limited supply of vaccines,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, a county health officer. “The addition of a third vaccine manufacturer means that more residency will be available for SLO County residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
San Luis Obispo County currently vaccinates health care workers and residents age 65 and older. To register for an appointment, click here. Vaccine appointments are also available at several local pharmacies.
Some local child care workers and K-12 teachers and staff who work in staff can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine in SLO County. Health officials say these appointments are scheduled by the County Bureau of Education and the Child Care Planning Council.
In Santa Barbara County, public health officials expect to receive 3,800 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine next week. These doses will be distributed among health care providers in the county and used in some public health vaccination sites.
Santa Barbara County currently vaccinates health care workers, residents over the age of 65, and workers in the education / child care, food / agriculture, and emergency services sectors. For details on how to make an appointment, click here.