STORY BY TOMOKI CHIEN

County officials today celebrated one million residents ages 16 and up having received at least one vaccine dose, a major milestone in the county’s race to vaccinate the population. 62% of eligible residents in the county have received first doses, and just above 30% are fully vaccinated, made possible by a significant increase in vaccine supply from the federal government.

“We need to take a moment and take a deep breath and really celebrate — this is a big deal,” County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said at a press conference today. “Remember, [vaccinations] started in mid-December, but with just a trickle. It’s just recently that we’ve had plenty of doses to go around.”

Cody also reaffirmed the county’s commitment to equitable distribution, citing ongoing efforts to reach communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Some of that outreach has included going door-to-door in hard-hit neighborhoods to help residents register for vaccine appointments, and providing on-site vaccinations for homeless community members.

County health officials just a month ago had bemoaned a slow and inconsistent flow of vaccine doses coming from both the state and federal governments, right as the state announced expanding vaccine eligibility. 

Today, the mood seemed to make an almost 180-degree flip, with positivity and optimism being among the pervading themes.

“After so many long and difficult months, we can now see a very clear path out of this pandemic,” Cody said. “But we are far from done. Many appointments are available to receive the vaccine. I appeal to the community members who haven’t already to schedule your vaccination as soon as possible.”