Marin Expands Vaccine Eligibility

MARIN COUNTY, CA — More vaccines are coming, and within a few weeks they’ll be available to all in Marin County over the age of 16.

Starting Thursday, all adults 50 years of age and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, and by April 15 they’re expected to be available to all, county officials said Tuesday in a news release.

Marin County Public Health officials are counting on a increase in vaccine supply promised by the state to match the demand.

The move follows state guidelines announced March 25.

An expected increase in the supply of vaccination doses from manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson precipitated the state’s announcement of an accelerated rollout.

Marin County has administered one of the state’s most efficient rollouts.

As of Tuesday, approximately 119,000 residents, or 56 percent of residents over age 16 had received at least one shot, and more than one-third were fully vaccinated.

Marin’s Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis backs the state’s move to expand availability.

“As vaccines supplies slowly increase, it’s the right time to widen the invitation to more of our residents,” Willis said in a statement.

“At the same time, we still have nearly 100,000 residents to vaccinate, and that won’t happen all at once. We’re on track to get to everyone before June, but we’ll need to be patient.”

The California Department of Health and Human Services said the state’s vaccine distribution system has the capacity to administer more than 3 million doses per week and is building the capacity to administer 4 million doses weekly by the end of April, county officials said.

Marin County Public Health expects an online rush of appointment seekers as of April 1.

The 50-64 age group becoming newly eligible to book appointments amounts to about 30,000 Marin residents.

County officials are asking Marin residents to complete an online interest form to help them track availability

Residents can answer a few questions to be subscribed to receive email or text message notifications when their turn has arrived and how to pursue a vaccine appointment.

The form is available in English and Spanish on Marin County Public Health’s vaccine webpage.

For residents unable to navigate the online process, a hotline has been established to assist in registering eligible residents for appointments.

The Marin Access Service Call-Center is intended for local residents without internet service who need assistance with registration, transportation, and communication related to the vaccination process.

Those eligible to receive call center assistance must be:

• 65 or older
• Living with disabilities (all ages)
• In need of home care or personal assistance
• In need language interpretation (including ASL)
• Without internet access
• In need of help arranging transportation to and from an appointment

Those eligible for assistance can call (833) 641-1988 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday until the pandemic subsides.