Santa Clara Co. to soon begin administering 2nd doses of coronavirus vaccine to health care workers

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Progress is being made on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution front in Santa Clara County, bringing new hope to a community that saw some of the first confirmed cases in the country last spring. However, officials say hospital ICU capacity has now dropped to just 8% in the county.

"Having some people vaccinated in our community is not a pass to start taking off our masks and acting as though the virus is under control," said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, the county's COVID-19 testing and vaccine officer.

As of Thursday, nearly 95,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been delivered to the county. Health officials say the vast majority of acute care hospital staff countywide have already received their first shot, with thousands set to receive their second dose as early as next week. Work also continues on vaccinating healthcare providers in long-term care facilities.

"It is the summation of our individual and collective decisions and actions that decides where this pandemic goes," said Dr. Ahmad Kamal, health care preparedness director for the county. "We have in our power the ability to move this curve."

RELATED: When can you get the COVID-19 vaccine? Find out where you are in line

Earlier Thursday morning, first responders such as firefighters began receiving the vaccine at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.

"The sooner we get all of first responders through, the sooner we can move on to the next tier, (and) the sooner our community members can get vaccinated," said Luisa Rapport with the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

Conversations around distribution have already begun with various provider groups as outlined in lower tiers of phase one of the vaccine distribution plan, such as community clinics and private practices, as well as trade organizations including the Santa Clara County Dental Society. The county says those providers should be able to sign up for the vaccine in the coming weeks.

VIDEO: 'Went to the gates of hell': COVID-19 victim given 1% chance at life tells survival story

Mike Arevalo is still dealing with lingering effects of his fight with the coronavirus, but he made it through 2020 to share his story.

While the vaccine roll out is certainly welcomed news, many are keeping an eye on the rising case count throughout the county especially with New Year's Eve upon us. County officials are urging residents not to gather with people outside of their households for the holidays.

"Our resources are stretched thin and healthcare workers are continually being exposed and becoming infected as they care for your loved ones," said Dr. Marco Randazzo, an emergency department physician with the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center system.

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

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