"Our goal is to not have vaccine sitting around in our freezer. Our goal is to have it all in arms as soon as it comes in," said Contra Costa Co. Deputy Health Director Dr. Ori Tzvieli.
VACCINE TRACKER: See California's rollout progress, when you might get vaccinated
[Ads /]
The county now has two clinics to complete vaccinations in Phase 1A, which includes those working in a variety of health care settings from dental offices to home caregivers.
"You're saving a life, if not others too, by not being sick. So it's a good thing to do," said Donna Ruelos, a caregiver for an elderly man moments after she received the first dose of the Moderna COVID19 vaccine.
Through it's online registration system, county health officials are beginning to assign vaccines to Phase 1B, tier 1, which will include educators, childcare workers and everyone over the age of 75.
RELATED: SF tech CEO proposes distribution plan that would 'vaccinate the entire country in 30-45 days'
"I'm just happy to be getting it," said Guy Haralson of Pittsburg. "Millions of people aren't right now and they really need to."
"It's not about just making the vaccines available and having that network which is critical, but it's also about making sure that we really do this in an equitable way," explained Contra Costa County Health Services Director Anna Roth R.N..
[Ads /]
Roth said the country is actively looking at how to reach disenfranchised and under-served populations when it's their turn to get the vaccine, an effort that includes forming partnerships with community groups to help enhance communication.
WATCH: 'It's frustrating': Former SF Mayor Willie Brown proposes universal COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan
Former SF Mayor Willie Brown proposes universal vaccine rollout plan
Contra Costa County is also dramatically expanding its vaccine reach to eligible residents through enhanced partnerships with retail pharmacies, like Rite-Aid and Safeway, among others.
According to Dr. Tzvieli said most people in Contra Costa County will learn they're eligible through their own healthcare provider and at that point, they should be able to get the vaccine, through a local retail pharmacy, much like the flu shot.
Contra Costa officials estimate they'll need to vaccinate 725,000 people, about 80% of its eligible residents to achieve herd immunity, hopefully in the next six months.
For more information on the county's vaccine program, go to www.coronavirus.cchealth.org
If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus pandemic, submit yours via the form below or here.
Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here
[Ads /]
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- From COVID-19 to Black Lives Matter, these 13 people defined the Bay Area in 2020
- Map: CA counties that can, can't reopen under new rules
- CALCULATOR: Find out how many people may get a COVID-19 vaccine before you
- VIDEO: When will I get the COVID-19 vaccine? We explain who goes 1st
- COVID-19 risk calculator: The safest and most dangerous things to do this holiday season
- Want to get a COVID-19 test in time for the holidays? Here's what you need to know
- Updated number of COVID-19 deaths, cases in Bay Area
- Map shows everywhere you can get a COVID-19 test in the Bay Area
- COVID-19 Diaries: Personal stories of Bay Area residents during pandemic
- California EDD: The most commonly asked questions we get about unemployment and PUA
- Health experts urge flu shots in effort to avoid 'twindemic'
- How to tell the difference between seasonal allergies and coronavirus symptoms
- Here's which mask is better to protect from COVID-19
- First COVID-19 vaccine volunteers in US describe experience as Bay Area launches vaccine trials
- Coronavirus origin: Where did COVID-19 come from?
- What is a COVID-19 genetic, antigen and antibody test?
- What will it take to get a COVID-19 vaccine and how will it be made?
- What does COVID-19 do to your body and why does it spread so easily?
- Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area
- Coronavirus Doctor's Note: Dr. Alok Patel gives his insight into COVID-19 pandemic