The San Luis Obispo County Department of Public Health is now opening COVID-19 vaccine appointments to people 65 and older.
County health officials say the decision is made on the recommendation of the local vaccine task force based on the current vaccine supply and the risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes.
Appointments for next week will open at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11. To schedule an appointment, visit www.Recoverslo.org/VaccineAppointments or call the County Call Center at (805) 543-2444.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is something George Westlund, a resident of San Luis Obispo County, says he was waiting for.
“I just see it as another line of protection in addition to masks,” Westlund said.
Although those in the Westlund age group, people aged 65 to 74, can now be given the vaccine; the ad came with some warnings.
“We have 1,900 appointments and a population of 38,000 who make up this age group of 65 to 74 in our county. As you can see, we have a tremendously inadequate supply to meet demand,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, county. San Luis Obispo. Public Health Officer said.
People in the community are asked to assess their health needs and risks to get the virus to see if they can continue to hold the appointment for now.
For Westlund, he says it will be worth the wait when he gets the vaccine, as his family and friends have been affected by the virus.
“I know people who have made it: some have had mild cases, some have had worse cases and I know a couple of people whose family members have died. So I just look at it as a way to keep going and do what I need to do, ”Westlund said.
Health officials say appointments are limited due to the limited supply of vaccines.
The county expects to administer more than 6,100 first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at next week’s clinics in San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande.
Vaccine appointments are also available at certain pharmacies and at the French Hospital Medical Center, depending on your own supplies. Click here for information on other local vaccination opportunities.