Pfizer and Moderna are expected to receive FDA emergency-use approval for their vaccines in the coming weeks — right in the nick of time. The latest wave of the virus seems to be taking over the state, which now has 52 counties, including Santa Barbara, in the state’s most restrictive tier: purple.
There are two initial phases of vaccine rollout, which are subject to change depending on availability. The first phase of vaccines are only for health-care workers and first responders and should roll out in mid- to late December. In Santa Barbara County, that’s about 20,000 health-care workers and 2,000 first responders.
The second phase is for older adults, those in congregate living conditions, and others who are most susceptible to the virus. People under this phase will receive their vaccination in December or January 2021. Everyone else will likely receive theirs mid-March or April of 2021.