Los Angeles County to prioritize second vaccine doses next week due to supply shortage

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (KABC) – There is more capacity at the five super-sites for vaccination in Los Angeles County than there are vaccines to go around. As of Tuesday, the province will shift its priorities from vaccinations for the first dose to people who need a second dose.

The shift is being made for people who have received their first dose of Pfizer vaccine and need their second after 21 days, said Manuel Martinez of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The state is struggling to get more doses to inoculate Californians who want one. For now, primary health workers, people living in retirement homes, and anyone over the age of 65 are eligible.

Mel Valladares was able to get his parents their first shot of the vaccine at the Cal State Northridge site after making an online appointment.

“We had some issues with the first website, but the second website, My Turn, is really good. They like the service, it’s quick and easy. You go ahead, wait 15 minutes and we’re done,” he said.

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In East LA, on Saturday, people waited in line for Clínica Monseñor Oscar A. Romero, who received 100 doses of the Moderna vaccine. As many as 40% of the patients in the clinic tested positive for COVID-19, compared to the positivity rate of 16.5% in the province.

“A lot of undocumented migrants, many essential workers come to Clinica Romero and they are the ones who die,” said Carlos Vaquerano of the clinic.

Despite an impending vaccine shortage, state and local health officials are hoping that Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine will receive emergency clearance for use from the FDA. If so, it can help boost distribution and speed up the vaccination process.

For now, those who have had their first doses of the vaccine are starting to plan for a brighter future.

“I hope to get together with my friends who I haven’t seen in a year, and maybe if it just means I have to wear masks and be (physically) distant, but maybe we feel a little safer now when we all other face-to-face, even though we all know we still have to be careful, ”said Candy Miyamura, who also got her chance at CSUN.

Once the vaccines are fully available, supersites like the one in Northridge can get up to 4,000 vaccinations daily.

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