Anonymous
Source: Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
In order to focus vaccination efforts on populations of greatest need, the County Public Health Department is adjusting their community vaccination strategy. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available through local pharmacies and healthcare providers in south and mid county, however there remains a gap for vaccine appointment availability in the Santa Maria area. To address this need, beginning May 16, the County Public Health Department will provide a COVID-19 community vaccination clinic at Santa Maria Fairpark, and will continue to provide mobile vaccination clinics through the county. Approximately 6,000 doses per week will be allocated to these clinics. While County Public Health will no longer provide mass vaccination clinics in Santa Barbara or Lompoc, these communities will continue to offer vaccines via mobile vaccination clinics. Other vaccination locations including hospitals, pharmacies, and community providers will also continue vaccination efforts.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12-15 years old. Vaccination opportunities will be offered in all areas of Santa Barbara County to accommodate for this expansion of eligibility. The County Public Health Department will partner with local schools to provide vaccination clinics on school campuses, beginning with sites located in North County as early as next week.
“Santa Barbara County has fully vaccinated over 49% of all eligible residents. Case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths have all plummeted. We are encouraged by the progress we have made as a county and as a community,” shared Van Do-Reynoso, County Public Health Director. “There is more work to do, and the County Public Health Department will be here to support and provide vaccines to our residents as we move to end this pandemic over the coming months.”
The Santa Maria Fairpark location will be open Sunday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through the end of July. For appointments at this location visit https://myturn.ca.gov. This location and all Public Health vaccination locations accept walk ins. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit https://publichealthsbc.org or call 2-1-1 and select option 4. The call center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
