San Luis Obispo County Public Health is opening up COVID-19 vaccine appointments to those affiliated with the judiciary system including judges, public defenders, bailiffs and jurors.
Public Health Officer Doctor Penny Borenstein said the county is looking to prioritize accessibility to the vaccine and has begun visits to homebound people in partnership with Central Coast Home Health.
“We’re getting doses in, we have capacity, so please register to get your vaccine,” Borenstein said. “People maybe early on felt like it was a no-win situation trying to get an appointment. We’re not in that same place anymore. We have means to accommodate most people who are interested in getting a dose.”
Borenstein said there has been a decrease in vaccine demand, but reminded residents that it’s important to get a vaccine so the county can achieve herd immunity, which is when 75% to 80% of the entire population is fully protected, ideally through vaccination.
“I just think people need to continue all of the good and the hard work and unpleasantness of living differently until we get to that herd immunity,” Borenstein said. “We can get there, mathematically, in a few number of months if everyone continues to use all these protective measures, gets vaccinated and we’ll be on the other side of this pandemic.”
Borenstein said when registering for a vaccine appointment, being more flexible in the location and time you can get vaccinated helps with the chances of getting the vaccine.
“This is probably the most important medical appointment you can make this year, if not in the course of your lifetime,” Borenstein said.
More than 111,000 people have been vaccinated in San Luis Obispo County.
To register for a vaccine appointment, visit the county website.