Vaccine Shortage In San Diego Worsens As Thousands More Become Eligible

Over 4 million Californians were made eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, March 15.

Phase 1C is the most recent group to become eligible for the vaccine which includes people between the ages of 16 and 64 with certain health conditions, disabilities, or work environments.

County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher said San Diego County received the same size vaccine shipment as it did the previous week. But with thousands more eligible, the county simply doesn't have enough doses for everyone.

"I think the biggest concern for me -- Number one: Is do we have the supply?" Corinne McDaniels-Davidson, director of the SDSU Institue for Public Health told NBC7.

The county has been prioritizing people who need their second dose due to the shortage. So even though many more are eligible to schedule an appointment, it could be weeks before they can get vaccinated.

President Joe Biden recently announced he would be making anyone 18 and older eligible for the vaccine in every state by May 1.

But in order for that to work, Fletcher told NBC7 the county is going to need larger shipments in the upcoming weeks.

"We really need to start ramping up if we're going to meet that goal," said Fletcher.

Photo: Getty Images


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