San Luis Obispo County has received its first shipment of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
County health officials say 1,400 doses of the vaccine will be reassigned to some local pharmacies to administer. Meanwhile, the county’s three public vaccine clinics will continue to administer the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which received an Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration last week, only needs one dose. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two injections.
“From the start, our biggest challenge has been the limited supply of vaccines,” says Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “By adding a third vaccine manufacturer, more supplies will be available for residents of SLO County to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
San Luis Obispo County is currently vaccinating health workers and residents 65 and older. To register for an appointment, click here. Vaccine appointments are also available at several local pharmacies.
Some local daycare workers and K-12 teachers and personal working staff can now also receive the COVID-19 vaccine in SLO County. Health officials say those appointments are scheduled by the County Office of Education and the Child Care Planning Council.
In Santa Barbara County, public health officials expect to receive 3,800 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine next week. Those doses will reportedly be distributed to regional health care providers and used at some public health vaccination sites.
Santa Barbara County is currently vaccinating health workers, residents 65 and older, and workers in the education / childcare, food / agriculture, and emergency services sectors. Click here to make an appointment.