Providence Southern California ramping up vaccination efforts with 3-day clinic

WILMINGTON, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Providence Southern California is ramping up vaccination efforts this week, hoping to stop the current rise of COVID-19. The non-profit health network's goal is to reach more families, particularly those with younger people.

"We've been doing clinics since February of this year, so we've been doing hundreds of clinics," said Rafael Garcia, community relations and outreach supervisor.

With COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths increasing, public health officials are urging those who can get vaccinated to do so, including young people 12 and older like Karen Sierra.

"School is starting back up and I just rather get the vaccine and get it over with and just stay safe," she said.

According to data compiled by California's Department of Public Health, roughly 41% of 12-17 year-olds in Orange and Ventura counties have been fully vaccinated. The numbers are roughly the same for Los Angeles County, with roughly a quarter of that population vaccinated in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Providence hopes people with questions about the vaccine will stop by the three-day Pfizer clinic at a wellness center in Wilmington. It runs through Thursday.

"If you're thinking about it, please don't go with the hearsay or the half-truths that are out there. Come on down, talk to us, we'll give you information from the CDC, L.A. County Department of Public Health," Garcia said.

No appointments are necessary for the first or second dose of the vaccine.