Merced County pauses COVID-19 vaccinations due to dose shortage

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Merced County Department of Public Health has halted vaccination clinics this week due to a national shortage of COVID-19 vaccine doses.

Health officials said all available doses would provide a second shot required to complete the vaccination process for those who have already received their first shot.

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While the current vaccine shortage is an issue affecting the entire country, Merced County officials said it continues to receive the second-lowest per capita vaccine allocation in the state.

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As older Californians begin to receive their COVID-19 vaccines, Merced County health officials say they barely have enough doses to go around.