Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new statewide platform for vaccinations on Monday. The database "My Turn" will be a comprehensive tool for residents to be notified when it is their turn to be vaccinated and for vaccinators to input data on the number of shots they have received and given to patients.
The pilot phase has launched in LA County and San Diego County "where you can find out if it's your turn to get vaccinated and schedule vaccination appointments. If it isn't your turn yet, you can register to be notified when you become eligible."
The link is https://myturn.ca.gov/
Newsom said he is aiming for a statewide launch in early February, although the difficulty will be in getting all clinics, doctors and vaccinators to begin using the tool.
Newsom also announced that the state is simplifying its eligibility standards. The governor said that along with the elderly, workers in four categories need to get priority access to the vaccine: healthcare, emergency responders, teachers and food and agriculture workers.
After those groups have been vaccinated, the state will move to age-based eligibility, which Newsom said would simplify and speed up the process.
“The point is to move folks as quickly as possible while following that prioritization," said Newsom. "We have got to increase throughput here."
California's vaccine distribution effort has been roundly criticized, as the state has consistently ranked at the bottom nationally for the percentage of doses used.
Newsom said some of that is due to issues in getting accurate data in real time. “We’re a number of days behind what the national numbers reflect in terms of actual number of vaccines administered.”
He also stressed that the state is significantly ramping up vaccinations. The number of vaccines have tripled from Jan. 4 (43,459) to Jan. 15 (131,620).
That puts California on track to meet President Biden's goal of 100 million vaccinations in 100 days. Newsom said the state would have to give 110,000 shots daily to do its share in hitting that target; currently California is averaging about 120,000 shots per day.
However, local leaders in the Bay Area have complained that the supply of vaccines is inconsistent, and vaccinators are only given information about their supply a few days in advance.
Newsom said the state is working to develop a more robust vaccine command center, with more details coming on Tuesday.