1 Millionth Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine Administered In Beaumont

BEAUMONT, CA — A 65-year-old Cherry Valley resident received the millionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday in Riverside County. It came with cheers and fanfare from the nurses and staff at the Albert A. Chatigny Senior Community Center in Beaumont.

“It was a surprise, but I sure thank you all,” Shirlley Ann Gruenke, a retired nurse, said after receiving the county's milestone vaccination. “You know, I went back and forth saying I was not going to get the shot, but when I got COVID in December and I felt sick, I said I’m ready for it. I’m getting my shot.”

Shortly after COVID-19 vaccine became available, Riverside County activated its Incident Management Team to coordinate distribution across the region As of Wednesday, there are four county-run vaccination clinics and more than 230 private providers.

“I am impressed by the work of so many to reach one million vaccinations,” said Public Health Officer Geoffrey Leung. “The county team has vaccinated people in clinics, cars, tents, trailers and in the agricultural fields. We still have work ahead of us, but we are on our way to protect the residents of Riverside County from this deadly disease.”

The county also operates six mobile vaccination teams to reach people at their place of work or closer within their communities. The mobile vaccination teams will expand to reach even more residents soon, according to the county.

“Achieving one million vaccinations administered is an impressive feat considering the limited number of vaccines provided to the county in the beginning of the vaccine rollout,” said Chair Spiegel, Riverside County Second District Supervisor. “As eligibility expands, we will continue our goal of reaching the majority of our population and recovering from the pandemic.”

For more information on vaccinations, visit https://www.rivcoph.org/COVID-19-Vaccine.