Public Health Dept. cancels vaccine clinics, temporarily

Due to a shortage of vaccine supply, all planned vaccination clinics at the Social Services Building are cancelled for the remainder of the week of January 22.

According to the Madera County Department of Public Health, they don’t have an estimated date when the situation would be resolved or know when they will get their shipment. Because of the shortage, they aren’t able to schedule any more appointments for vaccinations. However, they will resume to provide appointments when vaccinations are received.

The MCDPH advises people interested in the vaccine to call back next week or visit the website to see if the department will be accepting appointments.

MCDPH staff, Madera County 311 Operators, and Madera County Sheriff’s Office Volunteers have been contacting every person scheduled to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the Social Services Building to advise them of the cancellations.

Each person receiving a cancellation call will receive priority scheduling as soon as the vaccine supply from the state permits. Those whose appointments were cancelled can expect a phone call and email notification to reschedule. They will be allowed opportunity to reschedule before vaccination appointments are opened to others eligible.

Earlier this month, MCDPH asked the community to volunteer to assist with vaccination efforts. Currently over 400 applications to volunteer have been received and are being processed.

Second doses have been reserved for all those who have received their first dose, so far. No one who received their initial dose at MCDPH is in jeopardy of missing their required second dose.

“Madera County Department of Public Health and our healthcare partners are ready to schedule and provide mass vaccination to our community as soon as the vaccine supply becomes available.” says Director Sara Bosse. She is also quick to point out much of that capability is due to those volunteers. “We are so touched by the response we received. We are ready to bring these amazing volunteers on board to help Madera County.”

MCDPH has also partnered with Madera County Sheriff’s Office to include COVID-19 vaccine updates into the informational alert system already in place for local fires and other emergencies. From any cell phone, text “MADERAVAX” to 888-777 to receive these updates.

“We are frustrated that the supply of vaccine to our county is no where near sufficient to meet the vaccination capacity countywide”, said Madera County Administrative Officer, Jay Varney. “We remain hopeful that the supply chain issues that limit our vaccine allotment will be solved soon by the state.”

Regarding the recall of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine lot in San Diego County, MCDPH Health Officer Simon Paul, M.D. reassures Madera County, “Madera County has not received any vaccines from the affected lot, and we have no indication of similar issues here.”

Visit www.maderacounty.com/covid19vaccine for more information and regular updates. For questions, please utilize the community feedback form or call Madera County 311.