THE Los Angeles County Department of Public Health this week announced it has reached a new milestone in its fight against the COVID-19 virus.
As of December 9, 15 million doses (15,233,218) of COVID vaccines have been dispensed since the first dose was administered one year ago. In addition to administering vaccines at about 1,270 fixed sites weekly, health care providers administer vaccines at 560-570 mobile site visits each week, with approximately 70% of these mobile visits in the county’s highest-need communities. These collaborations have enabled Public Health to administer at least one dose to nearly 80% of those eligible to receive a vaccine countywide.
Many of the vaccine providers have deep roots in the communities they serve and are trusted by residents, helping to reach some of the county’s most underserved communities. Public Health has also played a pivotal role providing vaccines in the hardest hit communities, and as of December 9th, Public Health staff have administered more than 1.4 million doses of COVID vaccines at Public Health-run vaccination sites and clinics.
While great progress has been made, Public Health will continue vaccination efforts in the months to come. As of December 9, there are an additional 3.4 million people 16 and over who are eligible for but have not yet received an additional/booster dose, and 2.2 million people 5 and over who have not yet received their first dose. Our network of providers is also preparing to vaccinate the 534,506 L.A. County children under 5 who are likely to be eligible for vaccines early next year.
“The delivery of 15 million vaccines required a network of hundreds of providers willing to extend their services to serve residents across every community in the county,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “While we are proud of the work collectively done to administer 15 million vaccines in L.A. County, it is clear that we will need to continue to support vaccination efforts for months to come as we try to reach those still unvaccinated, those who need boosters, and those that are newly eligible. We have also learned that this network is not just focused on ensuring access; rather, this network needs to engage in outreach, provide culturally respectful information, and connect residents to additional needed supports.”
Public Health on Tuesday, December 14 confirmed 15 additional deaths and 1,138 new cases of COVID-19. Public Health has identified a total 1,540,200 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County.
There are 698 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing results are available for more than 9,596,550 individuals, with 15% of people testing positive.
Public Health would like to remind residents that getting vaccinated or boosted remains critical as holiday traveling and gatherings begin.
Additionally, all residents across LA County should continue:
- Getting tested to help reduce the spread, especially if you traveled for the holidays, have had a possible exposure or have symptoms
- Adhering to masking requirements when indoors or at large outdoor mega events, regardless of vaccination status
Residents are also reminded that they are legally required to be isolated if they have a positive COVID test result and that vaccinated close contacts with symptoms and unvaccinated close contacts need to be quarantined.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and are recommended for everyone 5 years old and older to help protect against COVID-19. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites and many community sites where first, second, and third doses are available.
To find a vaccination site near you, or to make an appointment, please visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English). If you need assistance, you can also call 1-833-540-0473 for help: Finding an appointment, Connect to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or Schedule a home visit if you are homebound.
Public Health would like to remind residents that getting vaccinated or boosted remains critical as holiday traveling and gatherings begin.
Additionally, all residents across LA County should continue:
- Getting tested to help reduce the spread, especially if you traveled for the holidays, have had a possible exposure, or have symptoms
- Adhering to masking requirements when indoors or at large outdoor mega events, regardless of vaccination status
Residents are also reminded that they are legally required to be isolated if they have a positive COVID test result and that vaccinated close contacts with symptoms and unvaccinated close contacts need to be quarantined.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and are recommended for everyone 5 years old and older to help protect against COVID-19. Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Appointments are not needed at all Public Health vaccination sites and many community sites where first, second, and third doses are available.
