Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo counties expanding COVID vaccine eligibility to teachers, child care workers
CENTRAL COAST, Calif. - Both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties will be expanding their vaccine availability next week, following the direction of the state's health department.
Some child care providers, K through 12 educators and related staff will be eligible to get vaccinated in both counties beginning Monday, March 1.
SLO County said eligible workers in this sector will be contacted by their employers to schedule an appointment and will not schedule appointments directly through the County’s website or Phone Assistance Center.
Meanwhile, SB County said special outreach would be taking place for educators, child care workers and agricultural/food industry workers for separate clinics. For more information, click here.
“We are excited to begin vaccinating our community’s educators, including many who have been providing dedicated in-person care throughout the pandemic,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, and it’s one of the best tools we have to end this pandemic.”
While this occurs, both counties will continue offering appointments for emergency services workers, grocery workers, health care workers and those 65 years and older.
Because supply is limited, vaccines in San Luis Obispo County are first being offered to those working in-person with students who cannot wear masks. As supply increases and doses continue to be designated for this sector each week, more education and child care staff will be able to get the vaccine.
“We are very excited to offer a first dose vaccine to thousands more of our community members," said Dr. Van Do-Reynoso, Director for the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. "This is a significant step in the right direction towards ending this pandemic.”
For daily breakdowns of COVID-19 cases in San Luis Obispo County, click here.
For daily breakdowns of COVID-19 cases in Santa Barbara County, click here.