The San Luis Obispo Department of Public Health is now opening appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 and older.
County health officials say the decision comes at the recommendation of the local vaccine working group, based on the current vaccine supply and the risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes.
Schedules for next week will open at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11. To schedule an appointment, visit www.Recoverslo.org/VaccineAppointments or call the County Call Center at (805) 543-2444.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is something George Westlund, a resident of San Luis Obispo County, says he is looking forward to.
“I look at this as another line of protection in addition to masks,” Westlund said.
While those in the Westlund age group, people aged 65-74, can now receive the vaccine – the announcement came with a few warnings.
“We have 1,900 appointments and a population of 38,000 that make up that age group of 65-74 year olds in our county. As you can see, we have an extremely inadequate supply to meet demand,” Dr. Penny Borenstein, San County Luis Obispo Public health officer, he said.
People in the community are asked to assess their health needs and risks for infection with the virus to see if they can continue to resist setting an appointment for the time being.
For Westlund, he says it will be worth waiting for his turn to receive the vaccine because his family and friends have been affected by the virus.
“I know people who got it: some had mild cases, others had more severe cases, and I know a few people whose family members have gone through it. So I just look at it as a way to maintain myself and do what I have to do, “Westlund said.
Health officials say appointments are limited due to limited vaccine reserves.
The county expects to administer more than 6,100 first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccine at next week’s clinics in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande.
Vaccine schedules are also available at certain pharmacies and at the French Hospital Medical Center, as their own consumables allow. Click here for information on other local vaccination opportunities.