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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024

Kaiser Opens Mass Vax in Lancaster

A mass vaccination site announcement and hospital visitation allowances are positive trends for the Antelope Valley region, both of which went into effect on March 8.The city of Lancaster, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente, opened its mass vaccination site at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W. Avenue H. Volunteers will administer up to 1,000 doses per day initially, reports said. Officials look to double that number to 10,000 per week once more doses become available.That same day, Antelope Valley Hospital opened its doors to admit two visitors per patient, from noon to 8 p.m., even for those hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Despite a more stringent visitation policy, including mandatory hospital-provided personal protective equipment in some cases, limiting visitors to those age 16 and older, and banning flowers and food, the hospital hopes the change brings emotional support to patients.Officials said the fairgrounds site has been months in the making. “I personally have been questioning L.A. Public Health (Department) for months to provide answers as to why Lancaster has not received sufficient vaccination doses for its 157,000-plus residents,” Mayor Rex Parris said in a statement. “Finally, our efforts have paid off in this partnership with Kaiser Permanente. If we have to go door to door to help people sign up for the vaccination, that’s what we will do.”Qualified residents are encouraged to make an appointment on Kaiser’s website. Kaiser Permanente will expand vaccine eligibility based on state guidelines and dose availability, according to a statement from the city.Kaiser Permanente medical staff, city staff, and city volunteers have offered to work at the site.“Having lost three family members to COVID-19, I know firsthand the importance of getting our community vaccinated quickly and efficiently,” Maybelle Liquigan, hospital administrator at Kaiser Permanente, said in a statement. “We are proud to support this effort – it’s simply the right thing to do for the Antelope Valley.”

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