San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was joined by several public health experts for a Monday town hall to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and its role in the rebound of the local economy.
Mayor Gloria released a "sobering" mid-year budget report Monday detailing an $86 million revenue shortfall, and said community vaccinations have the power to help the city bounce back faster.
Gloria and City Councilmembers Dr. Jennifer Campbell were joined by experts from the Health and Human Services Agency, UC San Diego and Sharp Memorial Hospital.
The town hall centered around vaccine safety, effectiveness and availability.
"I really encourage San Diegans, take if from the doctors, not from your uncle on Facebook. Get the vaccination when it's your time," Gloria said.
So far, San Diego County has already administered more than 300,000 doses of the vaccine. The process is expected to speed up considerably as more superstations open up and more shipments of the vaccine arrive in San Diego.
And for anyone worried about their second dose, county health officials said that's already been accounted for.
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"What needs to be understood here is when you come in for your first dose, their is a second dose being held for that person," said Dr. Nick Macchione, director of the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. "Even if you are hearing about supply issues, there is always a second dose being held by the state that comes weeks later depending on which of the two vaccines you received."
Those second doses are usually given 21 to 28 days after the first but can be given as far six weeks later. The county wants to make sure people are not trying to get the second dose any earlier, especially with the limited supplies.