County reports under half of area residents vaccinated

As of June 3, San Diego County reports a total of 21,716 individuals aged 12 years and older who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within our local zip codes.

Efforts by the Fallbrook Wellness Center account for just over 7,300 vaccinations, said Rachel Mason, executive director of the Fallbrook Regional Health Center.

"There's still a lot of people who need to get vaccinated," Mason said. "The overall population within the health district's sphere of influence (Bonsall, De Luz, Fallbrook and Rainbow) is approximately 50,000 people. Youth under age 14 make up a small proportion, so most of our unvaccinated population are eligible.

"Roughly, there are about 25,000 individuals who have not yet been vaccinated within our community. Yet, we had to cancel our weekly vaccination clinics due to decreased attendance." She said the health district will continue assisting residents in finding local vaccination resources.

"The community is lucky to have multiple options for access besides the commercial pharmacy chains," Mason said. "The Fallbrook Family Health Center has been ramping up its supply and appointment capacity. At this point anyone who wants to get vaccinated should not have any challenge due to supply."

Mason said the health district is continuing to update its website with vaccine information and will continue to be available to help people get the information they need.

"The data is intended to inform residents to be confident that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe, have a high efficacy, and really will be the game changer in this pandemic," Mason said. "If we really do want to get 'back to normal' and have our local economy and society flourish, then vaccinations are the key."

To contact the health district, call 760-731-9187 or visit fallbrookhealth.org.