On April 5th everyone in Santa Barbara County ages 16 and up were deemed eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Santa Barbara County was supplied with enough doses to better deal with all the online vaccine appointments. Vaccination clinics have also increased opening to 7 days a week in Santa Barbara. One of the main reasons for this sudden decision is the increase of vaccine supply from the state.

The clinics are only open to Santa Barbara residents and people who work in Santa Barbara County, you will be turned away if you do not reach any of the requirements. 

Starting April 5th and ending April 11th Santa Barbara residents from the ages 16 and up were able to sign up for appointments at Allan Hancock Community College where they would receive the only approved vaccine for their age at the moment which is the Pfizer vaccine. While Santa Barbara residents 18 and older can sign up to receive the Johnson & Johnson, Moderna vaccine, or Pfizer vaccine at the vaccination clinics.

Appointments to the vaccination clinic offered by Santa Barbara County Public Health Department can be made at local pharmacies and healthcare sites. 

One of the locations where the vaccination for 16 year olds and older will be held is at Hancock College in Santa Maria from Thursday through Sunday. Residents 18 and older will have open slots on Wednesdays only.

Some students at Santa Barbara High School have expressed their opinions on people their age having access to the vaccine. One student said “I think it could be too early since we are stronger and could handle it better if we got infected. So I think it would be better to do everyone that is at higher risk first.”  While other Dons said,  “I don’t see anything wrong with it. If adults have access to it then we should too. If you think it benefits you then you should just go for it,” and “I think it’s fine as long as they are all getting it with the guidelines.” 

“Maybe yes because it would benefit me but also would scare me,” said a student. “Yeah it could be a possibility,” answered another student. “I would probably get it because I already had it and my 3 months have passed. So yes.” Although many of them are worried about the outcome they’re all at least considering getting the vaccine once it becomes available to them.

“Many of my students told me that they will sign up to receive the vaccine as soon as they are able. No students said that they would NOT get the vaccine,” says Roberta Nye, a teacher at Santa Barbara High School.

Those registered for an appointment should bring with them a documentation with your name on it and proof of Santa Barbara residency. It is recommended by the Publichealthsbc to not make an appointment if you are not currently eligible for the vaccine because it will slow down the process and take away the opportunity for someone who is eligible to make an appointment. 

For any additional questions on how to sign up or see if you’re eligible you can visit the PublicHealthSBC.org 

[Image Credit: KTLA]