As Additional Booster Doses are Under Federal Review, Public Health Underscores Importance of Getting Vaccinated

24 New Deaths and 1,229 New Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee recommended booster doses of Johnson & Johnson for all adults given at least two months after the first dose. Yesterday, the committee recommended approval of the Moderna booster dose at least six months after completion of the two-dose series.  The FDA will consider the committee’s recommendation and once the FDA authorizes the booster doses for Johnson & Johnson and Moderna, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will finalize and determine eligibility.

L.A. County will use its extensive network of over 1,400 vaccination sites and 400 mobile sites to administer doses to those eligible while prioritizing reaching those at most risk, including those not yet vaccinated. In addition to the 1.2 million individuals eligible for the Pfizer booster, are an estimated 948,000 individuals who completed the Moderna two-dose series prior to April 10 and 298,000 individuals who received one dose of Johnson & Johnson by April 10.

Out of the nearly 10.3 million L.A. County residents, including those who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, 60% are fully vaccinated. There continues to be room for improvement to increase vaccination coverage. The millions of individuals who remain unvaccinated unfortunately represent opportunities for viral transmission and mutation of the virus.

Today, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) confirms 24 new deaths and 1,229 new cases of COVID-19. Of the 24 new deaths reported today, seven people who passed away were over the age of 80, 13 people who died were between the ages of 65 and 79, two people who died were between the ages of 50 and 64, and two people who died were between the ages of 30 and 49. To date, Public Health has identified 1,475,694 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County and a total of 26,395 deaths.

There are 658 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized and 29% of these people are in the ICU. Testing results are available for nearly 8,850,000 individuals with 15% of people testing positive. Today’s test positivity rate is 1.0%.

“To all those who have lost friends, loved ones, and family, may time help you heal and find peace,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “We can expect all COVID-19 vaccines available in the country to have a booster option in the near future. In the near future, we expect that millions more L.A. County residents will qualify for a booster. For those who are older, have underlying health conditions, or high risk of exposure at a worksite, please plan to get your booster once you are eligible. This will allow your immune system to mount a more effective response to the virus. As we prepare for colder weather and the holidays, getting a first, second or third dose of a COVID vaccine should be very high on our to do list.”

Vaccinations are widely available throughout L.A. County and are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. Anyone 12 and older living or working in L.A. County can get vaccinated. Appointments are not needed at many sites and all Public Health vaccination sites where first, second, and third doses are available.

Vaccinated middle and high school students are eligible for free UCLA football tickets. UCLA has partnered with Public Health to give away free tickets to a UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl to middle or high school students in L.A. County who’ve received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while tickets last. Students aged 12 to 18 who’ve received at least one dose can sign up for the free tickets online by visiting: http://ph.lacounty.gov/DPHUCLAVaxforTix.

Visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more. If you don’t have internet access, can’t use a computer, or you’re over 65, you can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment, connecting to free transportation to and from a vaccination site, or scheduling a home-visit if you are homebound.

COVID-19 Sector Protocols, Best Practices, COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, COVID-19 Surveillance Interactive Dashboard, Recovery Dashboard, and additional actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and your community are on the Public Health website, www.publichealth.lacounty.gov.

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