Second dose vaccines are on the rise in Riverside County

Second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are increasing in Riverside County, prompting county officials to plan more second-dose clinics.

By Saturday there had been 35,699 second doses administered in the county and 212,636 first-time vaccinations, either at county-operated clinics or by community partners, according to a statement on the county’s website.

“The important work on getting as many residents both doses of the vaccine continues,” Board of Supervisors Chair Karen Spiegel said in the statement. “We continue to ask for patience, as the number of appointments available for second doses is based on how much vaccine is received, and that number continues to be limited.”

Anyone who received their first vaccine at a county clinic will be contacted by the Public Health Department to set up an appointment for their second dose.

Federal Center for Disease Control guidelines allows up to 42 days for a second dose with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Because of a limited supply it may not be possible to get a second dose at 21 or 28 days, the original recommendation, according to the statement.