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Everyone 16 and over now eligible for vaccine
COVID shots
Anyone 16 years and over in Stanislaus County is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine starting April 1 (File photo).

A plan to open up COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone 16 years and older on April 15 in Stanislaus County has been moved up to start on Thursday.

The California Department of Public Health had announced that starting Thursday anyone 50 years and over would be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine and then it would expand to those 16 years and older on April 15.

The CDPH's vaccine expansion plan does allow for vaccine providers in high impact areas to begin a wider distribution of the vaccine earlier than April 15. Of the 24 zip codes in Stanislaus County, 23 are considered to be Healthy Places Indexes Quartiles 1 and 2, according to the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency. These areas have been harder hit by COVID-19 than other areas in the state.

vaccine clinic graphic

“Stanislaus County is home to some of the most heavily impacted areas in the state, with 23 of our 24 zip codes identified in HPI quartiles one and two,” said SCHSA Public Health Officer Dr. Julie Vaishampayan. “As Stanislaus County does not want to have more restrictive eligibility than the State, we will open up vaccination to all Stanislaus County residents 16 years and older on April 1, 2021.”

Stanislaus County Public Health has four stationary COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Turlock, Modesto, Oakdale and Patterson. All the clinics are offering appointments 48 hours before clinics open and accepting walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis while vaccine supplies last. To make an appointment, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255.

Eligibility on the State’s MyTurn appointment system my not reflect local eligibility for those under age 50, however the county’s clinics will continue to provide no-appointment walk-in vaccinations while supplies last each day.

While everyone living in Stanislaus County over the age of 16 will be eligible to get vaccinated beginning Thursday, there will not immediately be enough vaccine for everyone to receive it, and Pfizer is still the only vaccine approved for individuals who are 16 and 17-years old. As more vaccine is allotted to Stanislaus County the hours of operation at the four clinics will increase, said SCHSA spokesperson Kamlesh Kaur. Additionally, SCHSA has a mobile clinic visiting different spots in the county. It is set to be at the Salvation Army at 893 Lander Avenue in Turlock from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 13.