Soledad expands its mobile vaccination clinic

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KION)  Soledad Community Healthcare District expands its mobile vaccination clinic to all eligible residents who are unable to leave their homes to get vaccinated

"The longer they wait,  the longer they’re at risk of getting covid and we don’t want that,” said the Soledad Community Health Care District, Ida Lopez Chan.

This idea started way before any vaccine arrived in the United States. It was first discussed by Soledad city officials in October. They wanted to make sure every community member that is eligible can get vaccinated. 

“There are some individuals that just can’t either due to transportation and health-wise,” said Chan. “So we came up with this idea to go to them so that they’re also included, vaccinated and safe, and secure when they do have to go out to a medical appointment or any other reason.”

According to Chan, they began their outreach in January. With the clinic starting last month, community and faith-based organizations were finding their own members who had not yet received a vaccine at home. But as more doses become available, they decided to offer the mobile clinic to other eligible groups. So, they converted a ten-passenger van into a mobile clinic.

“A mobile unit that has all the supplies that are necessary in order to go to each site,” said Chan. “It has all the equipment necessary the only thing is we take the vaccine in that day.” 

Gema Contreras, a Soledad resident said this mobile vaccination is a great idea for the Soledad Community. 

“I think it's great so that everyone can benefit from the vaccination,” said Contreras.

Residents in Soledad that are having trouble getting to a vaccination site should contact Soledad Community Health District at (831) 678-2665.