Riverside County opened 25,000 consultations for COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday, January 28, specifically for residents 85 and older.
New appointments can be scheduled online by visiting the county’s public health website. Vaccines start on Friday, January 29, and will be applied every day until Monday, February 8. Seniors of that age were already eligible for the vaccine, but these events include appointments only for them.
Vaccine clinics will be in Hemet, Perris, Beaumont, Lake Elsinore, Menifee and Indio.
At its meeting on Tuesday, January 26, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors spoke about the need to prioritize the elderly when it comes to vaccines. Supervisor Jeff Hewitt cited data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on how people 85 and older are more likely to die or be hospitalized because of COVID-19.
“These factors for me dictate who should get this vaccine instead of any other criteria,” said Hewitt. “This should be spreading to older people, our most vulnerable members of society, because I want to save lives.”
Elderly people who receive appointments will need to present proof of age (driver’s license or California ID card) and make an appointment when they arrive at the clinic, said County spokeswoman Brooke Federico. Those without proof of age or without an appointment will be refused.
They can also call 2-1-1 to make an appointment at one of these locations.
If all appointments are completed, the elderly will be placed on a list of interests and will be notified when more appointments are available.
County clinics will be open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Friday, January 29, Monday, February 8, at the following locations:
- Citrus Hills High School, 18150 Wood Road, Perris
- Diamond Stadium, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore (drive-thru clinic)
- Tahquitz High School, 4425 Titan Trail, Hemet
- Indio Fairgrounds (Fullenwider Auditorium), 46350 Arabia St.
- Perris fairground, 18700 Lake Perris Drive, (drive-thru clinic)
- Corona High School, 1150 W. 10th St.
- Heritage High School, 26001 Briggs Road, Menifee
Team writer Jeff Horseman contributed to this report.