SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – UC San Diego Health is expanding its vaccination efforts and began vaccinating patients over the age of 65 against COVID-19 on Thursday, marking the start of a new phase in vaccine launches in the US. region.
UC San Diego Health has now moved to Phase 1B-Tier 1, which includes people age 65 and older. And those at risk of occupational exposure to education, child care, emergency services, and food and agriculture.
The plan is to start vaccinating 500 patients a day. And, due to the limited supply of vaccines, these doses will be targeted at patients with a medical history that makes them especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
“Eligible patients will receive a direct invitation to be vaccinated through their electronic medical record or a direct call from their healthcare provider. Patients are asked to wait for their vaccination invitations to avoid overwhelming phone lines and to accommodate patients. ongoing services and care “. to a UCSD statement.
At a news conference Wednesday, San Diego County leaders said the county is still trying to vaccinate everyone in Phase 1A, which consists of workers and health care workers.
Board chairman Nathan Fletcher said the county should also build a large-scale distribution system capable of providing enough staff to administer the vaccines. There are plans to add super vaccination sites in South Bay, North County and East County.
For now, vaccine doses continue primarily to San Diego County nursing home residents and health care workers, the state’s highest priority vaccination group.
Scripps Health, Sharp Healthcare and Kaiser said they are still working on Phase 1A eligible health workers.