Ventura County COVID-19 vaccine eligibility opens to all people 16 and older on Thursday

The day is finally arriving. Every Ventura County resident 16 and older becomes eligible for COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday.

The statewide rollout aims to boost vaccinations to limit the spread of the coronavirus. It's also tied to a planned mid-June economic reopening in which many restrictions are set to be lifted on businesses and gatherings.

Here's what we know from state and county public health officials about the expansion:

When can you start making appointments?

Thursday. The exact start time varies among vaccination sites. When eligibility expanded to ages 50 – 64 on April 1, the state system allowed people to begin making appointments at least one day ahead of schedule. This time, the rollout is set to begin as planned on Thursday. 

How do you make an appointment?

You can register at the state's online appointment portal, My Turn — myturn.ca.gov — after answering a series of questions about eligibility. If no appointments are available at county-run vaccination sites, My Turn refers you to pharmacies and medical groups that may have openings. You may also call (833) 422-4255 to find an appointment.

Pharmacy chains partner with the federal government in providing vaccinations and have their own online scheduling sites, including CVS, cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine; Rite Aid, riteaid.com/covid-19; and Walgreens, walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule

How hard will it be to find an appointment?

The expanded eligibility opens the gate for a massive group. Nearly 680,000 people in Ventura County are 16 and older. About 330,000 of them have already received at least one dose. The high numbers, along with a demand for appointments that exceeds vaccine supply, mean many people will likely have to wait for shots.

Delays could grow longer because of questions surrounding the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. On Tuesday, federal officials recommended pausing its use because of reports of blood clots in six people nationwide who received the vaccine.

Ventura County health officials announced Tuesday they had stopped giving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pending the federal review. They expect vaccine supplies from the state to be reduced overall in April and then hope for an increase in May. 

Can you cross county lines?

Appointments at Ventura County vaccination sites are reserved only for people who live or work in the county. Others could be turned away at vaccination sites even if they were able to make appointments through My Turn.

Other counties have similar policies. Those who live and work in Ventura County are not eligible for vaccinations in Los Angeles or Santa Barbara counties.

Relate coverage:Ventura County officials stop Johnson & Johnson vaccines, await guidance

Can you choose which vaccine you'll receive?

Public health officials urge people to take whatever vaccine is available. But most sites on the My Turn portal identify the shots they offer, so you can pick a location with the vaccine you prefer.

Are there side effects?

Side effects have been hit-or-miss. Reactions can include soreness on the injected arm, fatigue, headache, chills and nausea. Side effects are often worse with the second dose.

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Doctors suggest over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen for relief. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, they recommend contacting a healthcare provider.

What documents are needed?

If you're eligible by age, bring proof of birthdate, such as a driver's license, passport or birth certificate. If you're eligible because of your line of work, bring proof of employment, such as an employer-issued photo ID, a pay stub or employer confirmation on company letterhead. In Ventura County, you'll also need to prove you live or work in the county.

What about proof of insurance?

Providers can't charge for the shots. Ventura County-run sites do not ask for proof of insurance. But pharmacies and medical groups often ask to see insurance cards so insurers can be charged for the costs of administering the vaccine. Those uninsured can still get their shots at no cost.

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How long does it take?

Visits to Ventura County-run sites average about 45 minutes, including 15 minutes of monitoring after the vaccination. County vaccine managers advise people not to arrive more than 15 minutes early to avoid long waits in line.

How do you make second-dose appointments?

The Moderna vaccine requires a second dose no sooner than four weeks after the first shot. The Pfizer vaccine's booster is set for no sooner than three weeks after the initial dose.   

You can schedule both appointments at once on the My Turn portal. Some vaccination sites make second-dose appointments when you receive your first shot.

If you booked your original appointment on the Ventura County website, you can make your second-dose appointment at the same site, www.vcrecovers.org. Likewise, if you called for your first appointment on the county hotline — (805) 477-7161 — call again to book a second shot.

Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com or 805-437-0255.

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