Sudden Shortage Causes Vaccine Suspension in Napa County
Napa County has been forced to suspend primary COVID-19 vaccinations to prioritize second doses amid a sudden shortage of vaccines. Appointments that had already been scheduled have been canceled.
The cause of the supply problems appears to be a mystery.
“We continue to ask, where are the doses?" Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza said (KTVU). "Is anyone holding onto vaccines they shouldn't be, is it a supply-chain or manufacturing issue? Those are the questions our community members have and we are desperately asking."
U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman, (D- San Rafael) also expressed confusion, saying “it’s hard to figure out” where all the purchased doses have gone.
The supply issue has put the spotlight on those accused of jumping the line. Some have criticized Napa County Supervisor Belia Ramos, 42, for taking the jab. Ramos explained it was a leftover dose from the Napa Valley Expo Clinic, where she had gone to film a PSA.
“There was one dose left and I was fortunate enough being one of the standby people that I received my first shot of Moderna,” Ramos said (Napa Valley Register). “I’m incredibly grateful to have received that first shot.”
As of Tuesday evening, California had administered 4,914,630 vaccines, or about a million a week for the past two weeks. That puts the vaccination rate behind many other states.
