Supply of “extremely limited” COVID-19 vaccine in Riverside County

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) – Riverside County officials say that despite COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans, there are currently not enough doses to meet demand.

The county has so far received 114,000 doses of vaccine, while it is estimated that over 700,000 currently qualify for a vaccine according to the state plan, including about 343,000 people aged 65 or older, according to the executive office. of the county.

“This is not a volunteer issue. This is not a venue issue. This is a vaccine issue,” said supervisor Karen Spiegel. “We have had mass distribution plans for some time. Plans and places are not the concern. We do not have enough vaccine available to meet demand. ”

RELATED: Riverside County begins administering COVID vaccines to newly eligible individuals, including those 65 and older

Executive Bureau spokesman Brooke Federico said the county usually receives weekly dose deliveries and that they are either distributed to providers or administered at a public health vaccine clinic within two to three days.

She said that almost 80% of these doses received so far have reached state-authorized providers, including hospitals, doctors, clinics and pharmacies, to vaccinate currently eligible workers and residents, but supply remains “extremely limited”.

Meanwhile, residents eager to receive the photos wandered the phone lines and the county’s scheduling website. The county opened about 11,000 meeting places Friday at four clinics next week in Corona, Menifee, Beaumont and Indio. They were all filled in a few hours.

RELATED: Launch of vaccine in Riverside County hampered by ineligible people who sign up for appointments, health officials say

Clinic appointments to receive the vaccine are currently reserved until Friday, according to Federico.

“There are more than 175 state-authorized vaccine providers in Riverside County. Residents should ask their doctor, emergency care or pharmacy if they are authorized providers and when they expect to have the vaccine,” she said.

A complete list of suppliers in Riverside County can be found here.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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