To an extent that will greatly increase the number of people eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines, state health officials said Friday that as of March 15, shots can be administered to people over the age of 16 who suffer from medical illnesses. or developmental disabilities, making them susceptible to serious illness or death from the virus.
The measure comes amid continuing shortages of vaccine supply, but there is growing pressure for shots to be available to people most at risk of dying or falling seriously ill if they contract the virus.
According to a newsletter sent to providers across the state, the California Department of Public Health reported that vaccines can be given to people between the ages of 16 and 64 who suffer from:
- cancer;
- chronic kidney disease;
- chronic lung disease;
- Down syndrome;
- immune system weakened by solid organ transplantation;
- pregnancy;
- sickle cell disease;
- heart conditions;
- severe obesity
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Anyone 16 years of age or older who has a “severe high-risk or developmental disability” that leaves the person at risk for serious illness or death from COVID will also be available for vaccines; whether acquiring COVID will limit the person’s ability to receive ongoing care or services; or if the disability hinders the person’s ability to be treated against COVID.
The state already allows anyone 65 years of age or older to be vaccinated regardless of health status. When the new eligibility goes into effect on March 15, the number of Californians in general who will be eligible to receive shots under existing guidelines will increase to 19 million.
To date, just over 5 million doses have been administered throughout California. Current vaccines require each person to receive two doses, separated by three to four weeks.