Riverside County COVID-19 Update: Boosters, Data

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 continues falling in Riverside County, while over the last week more than 50 residents were reported dead from the virus.

Numbers released Tuesday by the Riverside University Health System showed COVID-related hospitalizations countywide were at 369, down 60 from one week ago. The current number includes 121 intensive care patients, up by 15 from last Tuesday.

A total of 4,973 deaths from virus-related complications have been recorded in the past 18 months. That figure is up by 52 people over the last seven days. The fatalities are trailing indicators because of delays processing death certificates and can go back weeks, according to health officials.

On Tuesday, 1,110 new COVID infections were confirmed, lifting the county's overall number since the pandemic began to 352,820. Over the last week, 2,362 new cases have been reported.

Pfizer vaccine booster shots are now available in Riverside County. The move follows the approval of boosters by federal and state officials.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still evaluating data on boosters for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

To receive a Pfizer vaccine booster, residents must have received their second vaccine dose of Pfizer at least six months ago. Residents must then be either 65 years or older or be 18-64 years old and either have underlying health conditions that puts them at risk of COVID-19 or be at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to occupational or institutional reasons, such as being a healthcare worker.

"The booster vaccine is something that has been discussed for many weeks and we are very excited that Public Health, along with our community partners, are now in a position to move forward," said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for Riverside County. "Those who are eligible should be confident that a vaccine booster will be available for anyone who wants one."

To learn more about clinic locations or to make an appointment visit myturn.ca.gov.

According to RUHS data, 57.7 percent of Riverside County residents 12 and older are now fully vaccinated against COVID.