Californians under 65 with high-risk health conditions to be vaccinated in March
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Pharmacists at JDX Pharmacy in Santa Maria were busy as phones continued ringing throughout the day on Thursday.
"Every day we get about 10 to 15 calls from people asking to get the vaccine," said pharmacist Sagar Asodia of JDX Pharmacy.
JDX pharmacists said most of the customers who come in are also asking for the COVID-19 vaccine.
"About 90% of those that come into the pharmacy have underlying health conditions, and they’ve all been asking," said Asodia.
Pharmacists said people ages 16 to 64 with some underlying health conditions in California will be eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine next month under the governor's plan.
"Those with underlying conditions are at the highest risk of developing severe outcomes when it comes to COVID-19, and that is something we really want to prevent," said Asodia.
"I think it’s great. I have friends and family with diabetes. It runs in the family," said Santa Maria resident Zophia Harper.
"I think it’s wonderful for those who want it," said resident Rebecca McBurney.
Some of the higher-risk health conditions, according to the state's health department, include cancer, diabetes, kidney disease and heart conditions.
While Santa Barbara County is still getting people over 65 years old vaccinated, it hopes to begin vaccinating this younger group with high-risk health conditions starting March 15.
