Press release from the Humboldt County Joint Information Center:

A total of 2,458 Humboldt County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, after 31 new cases were reported today. 

Humboldt County Public Health and local providers have resumed using Lot 041L20A of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine after the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced it was safe to administer. 

CDPH had asked counties to pause use of the lot when seven vaccine recipients at a single location in San Diego experienced severe allergic reactions. The agency, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and Moderna, found that there was “no scientific basis to continue the pause.” 

Humboldt County Health Officer Dr. Ian Hoffman said he was grateful to the state for acting quickly to ensure the safety of the vaccine supply and added that he is excited to resume distribution of all vaccine on hand. “There’s a system in place to detect any issues with the vaccine, and that system worked,” he said. “Public Health has 3,170 doses on hand to administer. More than 2,500 of those were affected by this pause—600 first doses and 1,900 second doses—and we want people to know they’re safe.” The remainder of the Moderna lot was distributed to local health care providers, and all are clear to resume administering those doses. 

“Given the severity of this pandemic, any delay in vaccination is significant, so we are pleased to resume our plans to vaccinate older adults,” Dr. Hoffman said. 

On Wednesday, 285 people were vaccinated at Public Health vaccination clinics with an estimated 290 additional vaccinations expected to be administered today and about 400 appointments scheduled for Friday. Local health care providers also continue to provide vaccinations to their patients. Appointments are invitation only and currently prioritized for Phase 1A health care workers who have not received their first dose and residents over the age of 75. 

Providers approved to administer vaccine will reach out directly to their patients who are over 75 as vaccine becomes available. For those who do not have a provider or whose doctor is not an approved vaccinator, the Humboldt County Joint Information Center is developing an online interest form for individuals to submit to be notified when vaccination appointments are available for their priority group. Additional information about the interest form will be released next week. 

Read CDPH’s update on the Moderna lot at cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR21-025.aspx. 

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or during business hours by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 707-441-5000.
 

Local COVID-19 vaccine information: humboldtgov.org/vaccineinfo
Humboldt County COVID-19 Data Dashboard: humboldtgov.org/dashboard
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Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert 

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