The Public Health Department opened up appointments at its own community vaccination clinics to all county residents age 16 and older starting immediately, the county announced Monday.
“Santa Barbara County residents who are 16 years of age and older are able to make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning today for Public Health Community Vaccination Clinics in Santa Maria happening this week using the Pfizer vaccine. Those 18 years of age and older can now make an appointment for Santa Barbara vaccination clinics happening Tuesday, April 6 and Thursday, April 8 since Moderna and Johnson& Johnson will be used at this site,” the Public Health Department said.
The Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for use in 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds, but all three are approved for use in people 18 and older.
“Effective April 15, people 16 years of age and older will also be eligible to schedule appointments at any of the participating pharmacies, hospitals, or health care providers as supply is available. These locations may be able to begin sooner, depending on availability of vaccines,” according to the county.
Visit https://publichealthsbc.org/phd-vaccination-clinics/ for the vaccination page with appointments for these county-run clinics.
These clinic dates include:
» Allan Hancock Community College, 800 South College Drive in Santa Maria: Through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Building S, enter via Sierra Madre Ave.
All three vaccines are available: Pfizer (16+) and Moderna (18+) and Johnson & Johnson (one shot, 18+).
» Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort (formerly known as the Fess Parker Hotel), at 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara. Enter through the driveway on Calle Puerto Vallarta.
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Pfizer, 18+) and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Johnson & Johnson, one shot, 18+)
“Second doses will be provided at the same location first doses are received. A clinic will be available in the same location four to six weeks from your first dose appointment,” according to the county.
A Santa Barbara clinic is planned for Monday, April 12 through Friday, April 16, and appointments will be posted at a later date on the Public Health Department website.
The county call center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day to help people sign up for appointments and answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. To reach it, call 2-1-1, and select option 4.
For more information, read Where to Look for COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments in Santa Barbara County.
— Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.