County hits 100K mark in vaccine doses
EL CENTRO – County officials announced Friday that more than 100,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Imperial County.
The announcement, which was issued in a joint release by the county and the Public Health Department, signifies that more than 50 percent of eligible residents have received at least one dose. One in five eligible are now fully vaccinated.
Although this milestone is a step in the right direction, a lot more work is needed, the release noted. The eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine has expanded, individuals who have not yet received their vaccine are highly encouraged to do so.
“Although we are happy to see that we have reached an important milestone in our local vaccination efforts, it is important to remember that we still have work to do,” County Health Officer Dr. Stephen Munday said. “Those individuals that have not received their vaccine and are eligible, as well as those who need their second dose, should complete the vaccination process as soon as they are able.”
Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is free and considered a safe way to build protection against the disease, the county said. Vaccines have been provided collectively and locally through an extensive network of clinics managed by local providers including federally qualified health centers, community clinics, pharmacies, dialysis centers, hospitals, and primary care providers.
The Imperial County Public Health Department continues to work with local groups and providers on getting doses to the members of the community who have been most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
“This collective effort shows the collaboration between our Public Health Department and many community partners in providing the vaccine to our residents,” said Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairman Michael E. Kelley, “Although this is not the time to let our guard down, I am hopeful that the number of vaccines administered to our residents will show how safe they are and encourage more to get vaccinated.”
To register for available COVID-19 vaccine clinics, residents are encouraged to enroll in the state’s My Turn system at https://myturn.ca.gov. Information for local pharmacies and other federally funded vaccine providers may also be located using VaccineFinder at http://vaccinefinder.org. Individuals who need help making an appointment can call the MyTurn phone line at (833) 422-4255 or the county COVID-19 information line at (442) 265-6700.
The county invited those who have received the vaccine to visit www.icphd.org/togethertoimmunity to share their story and encourage others to be vaccinated.