Smiles, laughter and anticipation filled the room as Monterey County residents received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine.

Since early February, the Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System (SVMH) staff has been administering thousands of vaccines to teachers, farmworkers and people over the age of 65 to combat the virus locally.

SVMH administers 700 vaccines per day for five days a week on average so that the vaccination process is as efficient as possible. This has helped Monterey County move closer to the red tier.

“We were trying to get people to follow the safety precautions,” said Karina Rusk, director of public relations and system communications at SVMH. “Now, we’re trying to make sure we get them vaccinated as quickly as possible. Hopefully, we have seen the worst of this.”

SVMH has seen a significant decline in positive COVID-19 patients, going from four COVID units to one.

At the height of the pandemic, there were over 100 people in SVMH with COVID symptoms, according to Rusk. As of yesterday, there are only two.

Rusk said that If people continue to social distance and wear masks, and if vaccine eligibility expands, Monterey County is in a good position.

“The feedback we’re getting from patients is that they are very appreciative, that they don’t have a lottery system,” Rusk said. “They are able to get scheduled... and that’s very reassuring to them. These are all people who are at risk and vulnerable to get COVID-19, and so we’re very excited to get them in here.”

In Monterey County, there’s been a total of 42,551 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 35 currently hospitalized, 333 deaths, and 42,395 released from isolation.

SVMH will be working with ag companies at Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center to administer a batch of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccines to specifically target farmworkers.

"It’s been a real partnership not only with the other hospitals in the county but with the community,” Rusk said. “We have not had to be in a position to convince people to come and get the vaccine. They see the benefit. That’s so important so they understand what a life-saving shot this is and can be.”

David Rodriguez is the education reporter and staff photographer for The Salinas Californian. For any tips or story ideas you can contact him at (831) 269-9363 or [email protected].

www.thecalifornian.com/story/news/2021/03/12/thousands-people-turn-svmh-their-covid-19-vaccine-california-monterey-county-clinic-salinas-virus/4667022001/