Officials, state sign deal for vaccines

Inland Empire and L.A. counties say distribution plan will ensure equity

Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties have signed a deal with the state, rather than with Blue Shield, that is expected to ensure no disruption in shipments of COVID-19 vaccine for distribution to area residents.

Riverside County spokesperson Brooke Federico said the county’s agreement, signed March 17, will enable public health officials to continue providing shots at Riverside County’s stationary and mobile clinics, and to work to expand vaccine availability.

These setups guarantee the counties will receive the same number of vaccines and concentrate them in whichever areas they want. That had been a concern until the modified agreement was reached, San Bernardino County spokesperson David Wert said.

County residents shouldn’t notice any change as they seek protection from the coronavirus that has upended life in Southern California for a year.

But the agreements mean county officials no longer have to spend time distributing vaccines to hospitals, pharmacies and physician practices. They give that responsibility to the state and Blue Shield so that each county can concentrate on the vaccines that it gives out directly.

Federico said in an email that residents can still go to a county webpage — rivcoph. org/covid-19-vaccine — to look for dates and times for public health clinics. The website will

link to the state’s new appointment system, MyTurn, she wrote.

San Bernardino County residents can make an appointment online at sbcovid19.com/vaccine/.

The county is working with the state to change My Turn before transitioning to it, Wert said.

The system allows people to make an appointment anywhere within 50 miles, meaning that when the county first tried it, more than 4,000 L.A. County residents signed up for vaccinations in San Bernardino County. Officials in both counties worked together to cancel those appointments, Wert said.

The agreement between Riverside County and the California Government Operations Agency sets forth expectations for the county to continue receiving vaccine. The agency states that it recognizes Riverside County plays a “unique role” in providing vaccine to residents of underserved communities.

San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties’ agreements contain similar language.

Counties throughout California have balked at signing deals with Blue Shield, which was tapped to administer a centralized statewide vaccination program. That prompted a change in approach.

“The state has elected to execute an MOU with the counties rather than have the counties sign an agreement directly with Blue Shield,” Federico wrote.

Southern California counties had expressed worry about what would happen with their existing vaccination programs. Concerns also were expressed about whether underserved communities would be left behind.