Residents age 12 and up invited to youth vaccine clinic Sunday in Santa Maria

Jun. 18—Community organizations Future Leaders of America and Corazón del Pueblo are hosting a vaccine clinic specifically for Santa Maria youth on Sunday.

The clinic will take place at 625 S. McClelland St. from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Vaccinations are open to all residents age 12 and up, and both scheduled appointments and walk-ins are accepted.

"More vaccinations are needed for young people, and to secure our collective health. This event is the first of its kind to specifically emphasize vaccination for young people in our communities outside of the schools," said Dr. Mario Espinoza-Kulick, health equity policy manager for Future Leaders of America.

According to California Open Data, less than half of Santa Maria's population — among ZIP codes 93454, 93455 and 93458 — has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Since residents ages 12 to 15 became eligible for the vaccine in mid-May, 32% of Santa Barbara County residents in that age group have received at least one dose, according to county vaccine data.

First doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available Sunday, with a second-dose clinic to be offered at the same location on July 11.

Residents under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian or bring a signed consent form in order to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Consent forms are available online at publichealthsbc.org/vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines are free and open to all residents age 12 and up regardless of documentation status.

To make a vaccine appointment for an individual or group, visit myturn.ca.gov. Dates and times for additional mobile COVID-19 clinics throughout Santa Barbara County are available at publichealthsbc.org/vaccine.