County Reports Uptick In Vaccine Supply As Nearly 30% Have Received A Dose

San Diego CA

19 March, 2021

8:55 PM

Description

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego March 18, 2021 San Diego County health officials reported Thursday an uptick in vaccine supplies, and promised the county is prepared "open the spigot" for vaccinations as soon as possible. Supervisor Nathan Fletcher said the county's allocation of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines was approximately 10% higher this week than last, though little of the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine has come in. But he said he expected a major increase in supply, and the county is prepared to rapidly vaccinate residents at the 30 sites that are now operation. "When the President of the United States says every American will have access to the vaccine in May, well that tells me if we're going to do that, then at some point at the end of March we should sure see supplies increase," he said at the county's weekly briefing on the pandemic. "When it does, we're well positioned to really open the spigot and go fast," he said. President Biden said Thursday his administration will meet its goal of giving out 100 million vaccine shots by Friday. As of Thursday, 27.7% of San Diego County residents had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 17.5% were fully vaccinated. The county had 105,976 doses on hand to administer. Fletcher said that while vaccine supplies are beginning to increase, appointments are still limited and he urged patience. "As those supplies increase we're gong to be ready to make more appointments available immediately and get more shots into arms," he said. Vaccinations are now open to anyone 16 and older with certain high-risk medical conditions, as well as teachers and other essential workers, and anyone 65 and older. Times of San Diego is an independent online news site covering the San Diego metropolitan area. Our journalists report on politics, crime, business, sports, education, arts, the military and everyday life in San Diego. No subscription is required, and you can sign up for a free daily newsletter with a summary of the latest news.