250 Vaccinations designated for farmworkers in Mecca

Several Coachella Valley agencies and Riverside County partnered to bring a mobile vaccination site to farmworkers of the eastern Coachella Valley. A total of 250 vaccinations were designated for Monday's event at Tudor Ranch in Mecca.

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz and Supervisor V. Manuel Perez were among those who attended. Monday was Rep Ruiz's first public appearance since he was cleared after contracting COVID-19.

"They are essential to our food supply. We want to make sure they’re safe and protected," said Riverside County Director of Public Health, Kim Saruwatari.

Several healthcare workers were on site, ready to administer the Pfizer vaccine.

"There’s a lot of factors why the farmworkers are one of our most vulnerable and the highest risk of getting infected and dying from COVID-19. If we don’t address that then we’re not addressing the pandemic appropriately, and everybody’s health will continue to be at risk," said Rep. Ruiz.

"They only earn around 24 to 30 thousand dollars a year, they don’t have any access to healthcare many times," said Sup. Perez.

Both of the local politicians grew up with parents who worked in the field.

"The things that we do everyday, we always work with a lot of people close by and it’s how the virus is transmitted. I think it’s important for everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible," said farm worker supervisor, Alejandro Gopar.

People were in and out at Monday's clinic, with the exception of having to wait 15-30 minutes after receiving the vaccine in case of potential allergic reactions.

"They all got vaccinated during their work shift. We coordinated the travel time and the staggering," said Hadley Date Gardens President, Albert Keck.

Keck said many employees at their company were not spared from the virus.

In order for the continuation of workers to get the vaccine, officials said it would be up to employers to ensure they could get vaccinated.

"The only way this will work is if the employers not only allow time, but encourage their employees to go get vaccinated and to provide the transportation necessary for their workers," said Rep. Ruiz.

Rep. Ruiz also visited several farmworker employers to speak on the importance of receiving vaccines.

In late January, hundreds of local farmworkers received their first COVID vaccine doses.

MORE: Nearly 300 local farmworkers receive their first COVID vaccine dose

Coming up at 5 p.m. we'll have a full report on the event.