California’s prime well being official, Dr. Tomás Aragón, explains why verification will not be required for subsequent vaccine group

By Mitch Rapp Last updated Mar 13, 2021

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) – A significant increase in COVID-19 vaccine doses is expected in early April. That is the message from California Health Director Dr. Tomás Aragon.

ABC7 news anchor Kristen Sze spoke one-on-one with Dr. Aragón for information on the vaccine, distribution and next steps. We know that as of Monday, vaccines will be available for people between the ages of 16 and 64 with disabilities or serious underlying diseases. We also know that these people do not have to provide proof of their eligibility, explains Dr. Aragon, why they won’t enforce. “That was just another hurdle. Of course, we fear some people are trying to cross the line, but we’re trying to offset the challenges of vaccinating people. The verification is an added obstacle logistically.”

Dr. Aragón also referred to the early April period when we will move from 1.2 million doses a week to 4 million doses, which means there would be no need for a review. He also warned that just because you are eligible doesn’t mean you will get an appointment the next day.

RELATED: California Vaccine Eligibility Explodes Monday, But People Have No Way To Sign Up

So who’s next after that? Dr. Aragón says age is the quickest, easiest way to get people vaccinated, and while he couldn’t confirm that people between the ages of 50 and 64 would be next, he seemed confident it was in the stadium. When will that happen? That has yet to be determined. He says it’s too early to say and they need to look at the pace and supply. He added that they have analysts who are concerned with studying and projecting all of this.

As far as the state is ready, says Dr. Aragón that all the systems will be in place. He cited Blue Shield as a third party administrator, but many counties aren’t jumping on board. “We are focusing on the entire state,” said Dr. Aragon. “There are negotiations that go back and forth and there is a transition period.”

When it comes to the best vaccine, Dr. Aragón said it was “the first to get into your arms. This is how we will get out of this pandemic.”

You can see the interview in the video above.

VACCINE TRACKER: How California is doing when you can get a coronavirus vaccine

Having trouble loading the above tracker? Click here to open it in a new window.