COVID-19 vaccine arrives in Kings County as health officials begin planned vaccinations

A spokesperson with Adventist Health told The Leader that vaccinations for frontline staff would likely begin Monday, Dec. 21. 

Health officials also say that an additional 100 Moderna vaccine initial doses are expected to arrive by the middle of next week. These vaccines require a second dose, which will be provided by the federal government in the following weeks, as necessary.

Since the outbreak began in early 2020 Kings County has experienced 7,719 total cases. Currently, the KCDPH, on its website, states that most of those cases (5,365) recovered while reporting 87 deaths. There are also 2,267 active cases in Kings County. The totals don't include Kings County's correctional facilities where 14 persons have died due to COVID-19 since the pandemic began. 

“We are excited about the prospect of finally turning the corner on the COVID-19 pandemic by adding such a valuable tool to the preventative measures currently in place,” said Ed Hill, Director of the Kings County Department of Health.  “All individuals, including those who have been vaccinated, should continue to do their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially as the rate of transmission continues to increase.”

Requirements established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provide a phased approach to administering the vaccine. Additionally, the State has launched its Vaccinate ALL 58 campaign, which provides additional details, resources, and information to the public at www.covid19.ca.gov/vaccines. The Vaccine distribution process is currently in Phase 1a, divided into three tiers, which include residents and employees of the following:

Tier 1

• Acute care, psychiatric and correctional facility hospitals
• Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and similar settings for older or medically vulnerable individuals
• Paramedics, EMTs, and others providing emergency medical services
• Dialysis Centers

Tier 2

• Intermediate care facilities
• Home health care & in-home supportive services
• Community health workers
• Public health field staff
• Primary Care clinics, including Federally Qualified Health Centers, rural Health Centers, correctional facility clinics, and urgent care clinics

Tier 3

• Specialty clinics
• Laboratory workers
• Dental/oral health clinics
• Pharmacy staff not working in settings at higher tiers

The County continues to stress the importance of following best practices known to limit the spread of communicable diseases. The following actions can prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Kings County and help protect residents from respiratory illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
• Stay in your home as much as possible.
• Wear a facemask or covering, and practice physical distancing of at least six feet if it is necessary to leave your home.
• Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough, or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.

Visit www.kingscovidinfo.com and click on COVID-19_Vaccine_Information for additional resources and guidance.