Wine Country Times

The supply of COVID-19 vaccines continues to be limited in Sonoma County, but officials say they expect to see a significant increase in available doses in May.

In spite of ongoing availability challenges nationwide, the Sonoma County Department of Health is working with primary care providers to develop a plan for expanding immunizations. According to the county's website, residents will be contacted by their health center when the vaccine is available for them.

"You know, we're still, unfortunately, sort of in a holding pattern with respect to the state allocations," Lynda Hopkins, chair of the Board of Supervisors, said in a March 24 KSRO podcast interview.

While many residents are eager to receive the vaccine as soon as possible, Hopkins has said it will likely be several more weeks before the area receives a supply boost from the state.

"It's looking like May is going to be the big month when we're really hoping that we do finally see that long-awaited surge kind of wash to shore and really get to have an opportunity to see all of those vaccines vials rolling into Sonoma county," Hopkins said.

Hopkins noted that some eligible individuals have had success accessing the vaccine at local pharmacies, which are receiving their supply directly through federal allocations. Additional doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine have also become available recently at some locations, she said.

"Even though we're not seeing a substantial uptick in the other vaccination opportunities, at least we're seeing a little bit of a surge from the federal supplies," Hopkins said. "Folks are getting those through CVS, through Rite-Aid, through other outlets that way, but then we're hoping that in May we'll really start to see that hopefully substantial increase in availability."

Efforts are also underway to provide more immunizations to vulnerable and underserved individuals who have lacked access the vaccine. This week, Sonoma County unveiled an initiative to partner with Santa Rosa Community Health to open a new vaccination clinic in Roseland. The clinic will serve the area's Latinx community, a population that has been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus.

On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that individuals age 16 and older with pre-existing health conditions will be eligible to receive the vaccine by mid-April. Residents ages 50-64 will gain eligibility beginning on April 1.

It is still unclear when the state will move to the next, larger phase, which is expected to include individuals working in non-essential professions as well as those without pre-existing health conditions. Hopkins anticipates that expansion might coincide with the arrival of a greater supply of doses in May.

According to the Sonoma County Health Department, residents will be able to make an appointment through their provider, or at a vaccination clinic, when they are eligible. Vaccine appointments cannot be made prior to the time of eligibility.

Residents can access the latest COVID-19 vaccine updates by visiting the SoCo Emergency website.