Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN / AFP / Getty Images
Los Angeles County authorities reported that will limit first doses of vaccines to ensure second doses are available for those already online to receive them.
In Los Angeles County, home of 10 millions of residents, as of next Tuesday, sites of mass vaccination will only give second doses of Covid vaccines – 19.
“We are just struggling with supply, limited supply and feel an obligation to make sure that people who have received a first dose can receive their second dose, ” said Dr. Paul Simon , county scientific director, during a session informative.
We are sending emails to those vaccinated at a County site confirming the place and date of their second dose a ppointment. All you will need to do is confirm the time that works for you via the registration link you get in your email. pic.twitter.com/rQlFlX4VgY
– LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) February 1, 2021
Los Angeles County Health Officials issued a stern warning on Friday, February 5 for anyone trying to skip the line to get a vaccine against coronavirus.
It seems that some residents have shared a unique access code to purchase second dose appointments and use that access code to schedule first dose appointments.
If someone shows up for a vaccine with one of those appointments, will be turned down , said Dr. Simon.
“It’s important for people to understand that these actions are taking away access to high-risk people,” Simon said. “We urge everyone to wait their turn to receive the vaccine.”
The actions were of particular concern to health officials, who received limited supplies of the vaccine and they decided that most of the almost 185, doses available next week will go by full to recipients of the second dose.
The 5 authorized mass vaccination sites are located next to more of 360 vaccination sites throughout the county, including those run by the City of Los Angeles, pharmacies and clinics.
The county has administered over 1 million doses so far, said Dr. Simon. More of 846,000 were first doses.
Health officials reported other 226 deaths caused by Covid – 19, marking the fourth consecutive day in which more than 200 deaths , although the overall average number of deaths per day has decreased in recent weeks of approximately 214 to 150 this week.
COVID – 19 Daily Update:
February 5, 2021 New Cases: 4, 761 (one,138, 764 to date)
New Deaths: 226 (17, 764 to date)
Current Hospitalizations : 4, 796 pic.twitter.com/HiZevicbnq– LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) February 6, 2021
However, deaths are considered a lagging indicator and one of the last to be affected. Until now, 17, 764 people have died from COVID – 19 in Los Angeles County.
The county also reported 4, 761 additional cases, slightly below the daily average for the week, bringing the total number of positive cases recorded since the pandemic began to 1, 138, 764.
Meanwhile, COVID-related hospitalizations – 19 continued to decline, now at 4, 607 with 1, 276 in intensive care units.