Humboldt County Public Health announced this afternoon that it broadening the pool of those eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines to include those 70 and older, as well as K-12 teachers, early childhood educators and support staff.

The changes take effect immediately, though appointments remain limited by vaccine supply.

"Individuals from the above categories will be contacted directly by their health care provider or Public Health to sign up for an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic," a press release states. "Those without a provider or whose provider is not an approved vaccinator should fill out the county’s online Vaccine Interest Form (humboldtgov.org/InterestForm) to be notified when an appointment is available. For assistance in completing the form, call the Humboldt County Joint Information Center at 707-441-5000."

Public Health Officer Ian Hoffman told the Board of Supervisors yesterday that, as of Feb. 8, more than 18,200 vaccine doses had been administered to approximately 15,000 healthcare workers, residents 75 and older, and teachers at schools offering in-person instruction since the first vaccine shipment arrived in mid-December.

Vaccine quantity has remained the largest limiting factor in the vaccination effort, with Public Health announcing last week that the county was slated to receive 3,975 doses this week of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, both of which require two doses over the span of several weeks.

Today's press release states the county will continue to prioritize second doses while scheduling appointments. The county anticipates opening vaccination appointments to those 65 and older, higher education employees and workers in the food and agricultural sectors beginning in March or April, though the timeline is obviously dependent upon vaccine availability.

See the full press release copied below:

Feb. 10, 2021 - Vaccination Priority Expands to Additional Groups

Prioritization for COVID-19 vaccine is expanding to include all Humboldt County residents age 70 and over, all emergency services workers, all licensed child care providers and all K-12 and early childhood educators and support staff. These additions will take effect immediately, even as appointments remain limited by vaccine supply.
Though vaccine is still extremely limited in the county and across the state, Humboldt County Public Health officials believe vaccination of groups that were prioritized early on has progressed far enough to offer appointments to additional people and workforces, which include the following:
o People age 70 and over – All county residents in this age group qualify.
o Emergency services workers – All police, fire and first responders, including volunteer and paid personnel.
o K-12 and early education, child care – All staff, paid and volunteer, who work in a K-12 or early childhood education setting as educators or support staff. This includes aides and office staff as well as transportation, custodial, cafeteria and maintenance workers.
All remaining Phase 1A health care workers are also able to schedule appointments when available.
Individuals from the above categories will be contacted directly by their health care provider or Public Health to sign up for an appointment at a mass vaccination clinic. Those without a provider or whose provider is not an approved vaccinator should fill out the county’s online Vaccine Interest Form (humboldtgov.org/InterestForm) to be notified when an appointment is available. For assistance in completing the form, call the Humboldt County Joint Information Center at 707-441-5000.
Please note that those in Phase 1A who are due for a second dose will be prioritized. First dose appointments for county residents in other tiers will be scheduled as available.
Public Health anticipates opening vaccination appointments to people age 65 and over, those who work in higher education and workers in the food and agriculture sector in March or April. That timeline is dependent on vaccine availability.
Find local vaccination information at humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo.
For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000.

Local COVID-19 vaccine information: humboldtgov.org/vaccineinfo
Humboldt County COVID-19 Data Dashboard: humboldtgov.org/dashboard
Follow us on Facebook: @HumCoCOVID19
Instagram: @HumCoCOVID19
Twitter: @HumCoCOVID19
Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert
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