Most Local Seniors Now Vaccinated

Following the increase in the supply of COVID-19 vaccines in Tulare and Kings counties, most local residents who are 50 or older have now received at least one vaccine.

It also helps that seniority has been a factor in determining when people can receive their vaccines.

As of April 20, more than 38,500 vaccines were given to Tulare County residents 65 and over. A majority of county residents in this age group have now had at least one shot, according to Carrie Monteiro, Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency public information officer.

She added that almost the same number of residents ages 50-64 have received the vaccine.

The numbers in Kings County also show that most seniors have had at least one shot. Of the 56,241 vaccines administered, almost 25% went to those 65+ and almost 30% were given to those 50-64.

"We're doing what we can to make it easily accessible to anyone and everyone who wants to get the vaccine," said Monteiro. "We're shifting more vaccination opportunities to evenings for individuals who work during the day."

The recent extremely rare but very well-publicized issues with the Johnson & Johnson vaccines "really didn't hinder our operation too significantly," according to Monteiro.

"For all of the 233,000 doses administered in the county, only about 2% have been Johnson & Johnson" she said. "We were able to easily change to Pfizer."

To make an appointment for a vaccine in Tulare County, call (559) 685-2260 Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In Kings County, visit http://www.kingscovidinfo.com for vaccination information.

Appointments can be made at https://myturn.ca.gov, which also provides information.

The CA COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 also offers assistance.