First responders can have one other month to get a COVID-19 booster shot, Marin’s public well being division stated this week.
The deadline to get a booster has been prolonged to March 1 to permit legislation enforcement, emergency medical companies and short-term catastrophe shelter staff an opportunity to get the shot amid excessive demand.
Slots for a vaccination appointment in Marin have been scarce through the omicron surge, the county public well being division stated in an announcement Monday.
Employees should present proof of a booster by March 1 or undergo weekly surveillance testing, per a public well being order issued in September and up to date final month. The deadline was Jan. 28.
A state mandate required well being care facility staff obtain a 3rd shot by Feb. 1.
“Our clinics had been solidly full throughout that point with appointments filling up rapidly and upfront of the date of the clinic,” county spokeswoman Laine Hendricks stated. “It was solely final week that folks may acquire a identical day or walk-in appointment.
“Based mostly on company suggestions, and understanding that our first responders could not have had the flexibility to acquire an appointment that met their work schedule wants, we determined to offer them yet one more month to acquire their booster,” she stated.
Stroll-in appointments at the moment are obtainable at most clinics, based on the county.
About 95% of all firefighters in Marin are vaccinated, based on knowledge compiled final month. Regulation enforcement companies that reported knowledge have vaccination charges between 83% to 100%.
“The 30 days provides us a little bit little bit of room to get of us into appointments,” Marin County Fireplace Division Chief Jason Weber stated.
Present knowledge on what number of county firefighters have obtained a booster was not obtainable. Firefighters are being provided academic classes to talk to public well being staff about when they need to obtain a booster dose.
John Bagala, president of the Marin Skilled Firefighters IAFF Native 1775 union, stated most firefighters have already obtained a 3rd shot, some as early as July and August.
“The overwhelming majority of our folks have been boosted for nearly six months now. If there was a second booster shot, I feel a big proportion of our folks could be keen to to get that, too,” Bagala stated.
County public well being officers don't require police and hearth departments to submit information verifying employees vaccination charges or weekly testing compliance. Every company is required to confirm and preserve information, based on public well being employees.
Of the Marin County residents eligible for vaccination, 94.7% are absolutely vaccinated. The county reported 98% of the eligible inhabitants has had one dose.