County officials optimistic expanded eligibility will efficiently use vaccine supply

California is expanding the list of people who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination opening it up to everyone 16 and older starting April 15th.

Governor Newsom also announced on Thursday that everyone 50 and over will be able to make an appointment to receive a shot starting April first on an expected increase in vaccine supply, which up until now has been limited.

News Channel 3's Dani Romero has more on what this means for Riverside County.

Over 1,100 COVID vaccines will be administered at a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal on Thursday.

Karla Garcia waited 45 minutes to get her shot. 

“I was a little bit nervous at first but once I sat down I tried to calm myself down it actually was fine it really didn’t hurt," said Garcia.

Now, California is expanding eligibility for the vaccine.

“I am 17 so I am happy other people are going to be able to get it," said Birdi Torris.

All Californians 50 years old and above will be eligible for the vaccine starting April 1st.  By the middle of the month, it’s opening to anyone 16 and up. 

“We gotta make sure that as we open up eligibility that we still maintain the focus on equity because you have people that are at highest risk of getting infected and dying from coronavirus that are within those eligibility criteria," said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz.

Congressman Dr. Ruiz is on the front lines in the push for prioritization in high risk underserved communities.

“The more people that get vaccinated, the more we are going to provide protection for everybody to move into a less restrictive tiers," said Dr. Ruiz.

Governor Gavin Newsom also made another big change. 

“Effective [Thursday] regardless of your age, regardless of your pre-existing condition if someone comes in eligible under the existing rules but with a family member we will accommodate the family member no questions asked," said Newsom.

“We've always followed the state guidance as closely as we could that's something we would definitely look into," said Jose Arballo, Senior Public Information Specialist for Riverside County.

County spokesperson Jose Arballo said the county will be opening up more appointments for next week starting tomorrow afternoon. 

“We'll be on the book for next week, including next week is that Thursday on where it will be 50 and older. “ 

Ruiz was out at the clinic administering vaccine shots to residents.