Sunday night, state officials said those doses should be saved after a high number of possible serious allergic reactions were reported at a community vaccination event in San Diego.
According to Kings County Public Health, ARIA community health centers already administered 200 doses of this batch, but did not notice any severe allergic reactions.
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“The state’s decision to pause the administration based on a single report reflects the scrutiny of these vaccines and the absolute commitment to safety at the state and local levels,” health officials said. Kings County in a press release.
Tulare County health officials also confirm that they used some of the 3,500 doses they received, but no one had a bad reaction during the observation window 15 to 30 minutes after the shot.
“We had no reports of serious reactions and, if they did occur, they are likely to occur during this observation period,” said Carrie Monteiro, Tulare County HHSA spokeswoman.
In the letter sent to suppliers, the state adds that there have been no other events related to the batch.
While waiting for further instructions from the state, Tulare County public health will be left with doses they have not used.
They say the break should not affect vaccination clinics they have already scheduled for this week, but it could affect others.
“We ask the public to stay patient with us,” Monteiro said. “We want to administer more vaccine, but we still have a very limited supply, so having to hold this batch may make it difficult for us to schedule more clinics in the coming weeks. However, we hope to act
quickly and get more vaccines, so we don’t have that calm period. ”
The Butterfly County Health and Human Services Agency received 300 doses of the batch in question.
None of them were used, which accounted for most of the supply of a mass vaccination event on Thursday.
But as long as the investigation lasts, they will sit in the freezer.
“We may be holding out until the last minute to make a decision,” said Dr. Eric Sergienko, Mariposa County Health Officer. “It may come on Wednesday night, we say well we don’t know enough and we postpone it. Once again, we are ready to follow any direction
with short notice, but I hope we can get it sooner ”.
Despite concerns, Dr. Sergienko remains confident in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.
He believes more vaccines will reduce the pressure on hospitals in the valley and eventually lead to the reopening of the economy and a return to normal life.
“I’m excited about the flu season if I have a 55% effective vaccine and this is a 95% effective vaccine, which means you’ve reduced the chances of having a disease that can weaken or endanger your life. enormously “. He said.
On Monday afternoon, Merced County Public Health joined the list of Central Valley counties that say they administered some doses of the Modern batch before learning of the state.
RELATED: Central California COVID-19 Vaccines: How to Make an Appointment, Latest County Information
Like Tulare and Kings counties, they say no serious allergic reactions were reported.
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