Mendocino County expanding vaccine call center

Last week, the County of Mendocino successfully responded to an unanticipated arrival of over 1,000 members of the public to a vaccination event at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds. The event was designed to serve Phase 1a, 1b and Tier 1 vaccine candidates, and not the general public.

“Thankfully, we were able to vaccinate or reschedule the approximately 1,200 individuals who came to the fairgrounds,” notes Vaccine Project Manager Adrienne Thompson.

To date, according to Mendocino County Public Health Officer Dr. Andrew Coren, the county has vaccinated 5,970 individuals. This figure does not include the numbers of people vaccinated through hospitals, pharmacies or Indian Health Centers, all of which receive their own allotments of vaccine.

“This translates to almost 10 percent of the county’s population over 18 years of age. We are very proud that we have utilized every vaccine we’ve received during the week we received it. The demand for vaccine far exceeds the supply we are able to access from the state at this time. We fully understand this causes frustration and congestion, and we ask for your patience,” Coren continues.

The number of phone calls to the county’s vaccine call center have increased exponentially.

“The public and employers are rightfully seeking information