Contra Costa County extends vaccine eligibility to all residents age 50 and older

Beginning this week, all Contra Costa County residents age 50 and older are eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.

News of the change came with a press release issued Monday morning by Contra Costa Health Services, which attributed the eligibility expansion to an increase in vaccine supply from the federal government.

According to the statement, the underlying health condition requirement has been dropped for all county residents between 50 and 64 years old at federally-qualified health centers.

Dr. Chris Farnitano, the county health officer, said:

“COVID does not affect everyone the same. Older people are more likely to suffer severe disease. Nearly all of the COVID deaths in Contra Costa have been among people over the age of 50. We are making good progress vaccinating those in the groups already eligible and will now continue to prioritize more of the most vulnerable groups in our community.”

The health department said that at least one vaccine dose has been administered to more than 336,000 county residents as of Monday, including 96 percent of residents aged 75 and older. The age expansion now targets more than 235,000 residents between the ages of 50 to 64.

People at least 16 years old with qualifying and severe underlying health conditions are still eligible to book a vaccination appointment under guidance updated a week ago.

Eligible residents can request an appointment by completing an online request form or by calling (833) 829-2626.