LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12 (Reuters) – About 800 workers from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will take part in the first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations for workers at the busiest seaport complex in the United States on Friday, which has been badly hit by pandemic-related workforce disruptions and rising imports.
Congressmen joined state and local leaders last month, urging California officials to expedite COVID-19 vaccinations for port workers amid clashes where workers should be prioritized as essential.
Such decisions are sometimes made at the local level, which has led to a patchwork of rules about vaccination eligibility at a time when the demand for COVID-19 vaccines far outstrips supply.
The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services organized the clinic, which distributed 800 doses of the Moderna Inc vaccine to dockers. The event is because massive inoculation sites in other parts of Los Angeles County – including Dodger Stadium – have been temporarily closed due to a lack of vaccine supplies.
Meanwhile, some states are beginning to extend vaccinations to not only first responders, health workers and the elderly, but also grocery store workers, line chefs, bus drivers and teachers.
In New York State, employees of supermarkets and restaurants are allowed to take the photos. And in Illinois, some auto factory workers have started receiving vaccinations. (Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; edited by Jonathan Oatis)