In a move that will vastly expand the number of people eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, health officials said Friday that starting March 15, injections could be given to people 16 and older who suffer from medical conditions or developmental disabilities that predispose them for serious illness or death from the virus.
The move comes amid persistent shortages of vaccine supply, but it follows increasing pressure to make the injections available to people most at risk of dying or becoming seriously ill if they contract the virus.
According to a bulletin sent to health care providers across the state, the California Department of Public Health recommended that vaccinations could 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 due to transplantation of solid organs;
- pregnancy;
- sickle cell disease;
- heart condition;
- severe obesity
- Diabetes mellitus type 2.
Also, anyone 16 years of age or older will become available who suffers from a “developmental disability or other serious high risk disability” that predisposes the person to serious illness or death from COVID; if obtaining COVID enables the person to receive necessary ongoing care or services; or if the disability would interfere with the person’s ability to be treated for COVID.
The state already allows vaccinations for anyone 65 or older, regardless of health status. When the new eligibility goes into effect on March 15, the number of Californians eligible for admissions under existing guidelines will increase to a whopping 19 million.
To date, just over 5 million doses have been administered in California. Current vaccines require each person to receive two doses, three to four weeks apart.