A lot of people in LA County are not showing up for their second dose of Covid-19 vaccines.
Close to 280,000 are now overdue for their second Pfizer or Moderna shot.
Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer points to a number of possible explanations. Some may have forgotten about it.
"Some may have be put off by side effects of the first dose or feel that one dose is as effective as they need and is giving them enough protection," Ferrer says.
Ferrer says you need that second shot to be fully protected.
The LA Times reports the pace of vaccinations in California slowed after the FDA and CDC recommended a pause in the use of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine due to concerns about very rare but serious blood clots.
The agency ended the pause last week saying the "vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19" and its' outweigh the "potential risks."
"If your concern is just about Johnson & Johnson, please come in and get a a vaccine from Moderna or Pfizer. If your concern is about vaccine safety overall, participate in our town hall, talk to your provider," she says.
The county's mass vaccination sites will continue accepting walk-ins - so no appointment needed - though at least Thursday.