County health officials announce COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for 65 and older residents

By The Leader Staff
County health officials announce COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for 65 and older residents

Beginning Friday, January 15, Kings County residents 65 or older can begin scheduling vaccinations for COVID-19. Kings County Department of Public Health (KCDPH) officials say that scheduling will begin for individuals age 65 or older through Aria Community Health Center (ACHC) clinics located throughout the county.

The local health department is partnering with ACHC to provide COVID- 19 vaccines to Kings County residents who “face the gravest consequences,” according to Governor Gavin Newsom.

“We are thrilled to help vaccinate our community against this deadly disease. While Covid-19 vaccines were developed within one year, they are built on 150 years of research and experience by thousands of scientists and billions of vaccines given since Louis Pasteur and others discovered ‘vaccination,’ ” said ACHC Chief Executive Officer John Blaine.

Appointments are required for both Aria and the KCDPH and are available while current vaccine supplies last. The KCDPH will continue to keep the public informed as vaccine supplies are replenished, and appointments become available.

Kings County residents age 65 or older that are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine should contact their nearest clinic:

  • Aria Health - Avenal: 148 King Street, (559) 386-9000
  • Kings County Public Health - Corcoran: 1002 Dairy Avenue, (559) 852-2002
  • Aria Health - Hanford: 329 W. 8th Street, (559) 582-2500
  • Aria Health - Kettleman City: 304 Becky Pease, (559) 386-4501
  • Aria Health - Lemoore: 209 C Street, (559) 924-7005
  • Aria Health - Stratford: 20326 Main St., (559) 947-3500

Individuals age 65 or older are the only population from Phase 1B, Tier 1 eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine at this time.

The KCDPH will continue to provide vaccines to individuals that are part of all tiers in Phase 1A. Individuals that are part of the following sectors/populations should call (559)852-2002 to schedule an appointment:

  • Acute care, psychiatric and correctional facility hospitals
  • Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and similar settings for older or medically vulnerable individuals. (This group receives their vaccine directly through pharmacies, which is a federal program)
  • Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and others providing emergency medical services
  • Dialysis Centers
  • Intermediate care facilities for persons who need non-continuous nursing supervision and supportive care
  • Home healthcare and in-home supportive services providers
  • Community health workers, including promotoras
  • Public health field staff  Primary Care clinics, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), Rural Health Centers, correctional facility clinics, and urgent care clinics
  • Other settings and health care workers
  • Specialty clinics
  • Laboratory workers
  • Dental and other oral health clinics
  • Pharmacy staff not working in setting at higher tiers
  • Persons working in the mortuary services industry

Kings County residents can go to www.kingscovidinfo.com, and click on COVID-19 Vaccine Information to sign up to receive notification when the vaccine becomes available to additional sectors/populations. Questions can also be submitted to KingsCovidVax@co.kings.ca.us.

For information regarding the COVID-19 vaccines, please see:

Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html

Benefits: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

Please visit www.kingscovidinfo.com for additional local information and resources.

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