More COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available for Riverside County Residents

Participants must register and have an appointment to get vaccinated

RIVERSIDE, CA— Riverside County residents who qualify are being encouraged to make an appointment to get their COVID-19 vaccination by signing up through the Riverside University Health System-Public Health website.

Hundreds of appointments are available through Friday at the four county-run clinics and those operated by Curative and OptumServe in Riverside County. Those within Phases 1A and 1B are eligible, including residents 65 years of age and older and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccine eligibility is based on the state’s rollout tiers.

“The supply of vaccine has increased and that allows us to provide more vaccination appointments,” said Kim Saruwatari, director of Public Health for Riverside County. “This is a great opportunity for those who have been waiting to get vaccinated. It is quick and easy – both making the appointment and actually getting vaccinated.”

Among the job categories eligible are healthcare workers; long-term care residents; agriculture and food workers; educators and childcare workers; emergency services workers, transportation workers, utility workers and janitors. The state recently expanded the vaccination eligibility to include those at higher risk for COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions. The underlying health conditions include cancer, Down syndrome, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease, pregnancy, severe obesity and heart conditions.

“We are encouraged to see that more vaccine is being sent to Riverside County for our many residents who have patiently waited to get their shot,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor.

More than 800,000 doses – both first and second doses — have been administered to Riverside County residents through the county-run clinics and those operated by the nearly 200 community providers.

To make an appointment or to see a list of eligible jobs categories and underlying health conditions that qualify, click www.rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine. Those who need assistance to make an appointment can call 2-1-1.