500 farmworkers to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Santa Barbara County Public Health teamed up with local advocate organizations on the Central Coast to set up a vaccine pilot program for farmworkers in Santa Maria on Sunday.

According to Public Health Director Dr. Van Do-Reynoso, 500 farmworkers will receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose that day.

"We also are aware, based upon on the EpiData that we need from an equity lens to pay attention to making sure that our farmworkers, and our Latinx and indigenous community members, have access to the vaccine," said Dr. Do-Reynoso.

In order to get a vaccine, an appointment must be booked. At this time, the pilot program is fully booked for Sunday.

Upon arrival, you will be asked for proof of an appointment as well as proof of job occupation and residency in Santa Barbara County.

Services will be provided in English and Spanish, in addition to indigenous languages such as Mixteco.

Dr. Do-Reynoso said this will be one of many ways planned for farmworkers to get vaccinated.

For updates on COVID-19 cases throughout Santa Barbara County, click here.