County Public Health Stresses Importance of Vaccines

Even with most metrics improving daily and the waxing light on the other end of the tunnel growing even brighter, COVID-19 is still here with us. On May 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) announced 16 new deaths and 255 new confirmed cases—a far cry from the winter surge, which brought news of hundreds of deaths and thousands of cases every day. 

Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer took the opportunity hammer home the importance of vaccinations. “We send our deepest condolences to the many people across our County mourning a family member or friend who has passed away due to COVID-19,” she said. “Almost everyone getting infected, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19 these past few weeks, is not fully vaccinated. If you are already vaccinated, please do your part to help those around you that are not yet vaccinated, feel confident that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and work. Every vaccinated person can be an influencer—and by sharing your story, you can make a difference and even save a life.” 

Currently, nearly 60 percent of county residents over the age of 16 have had at least one dose of the vaccine. The numbers are much more robust among seniors over the age of 65, one of the most vulnerable demographics, nearly 83% of whom have gotten at least one dose. Beverly Hills boasts one of the highest vaccination rates in the county, with more than 67% having received at least one dose. 

Beverly Hills has 15 vaccination sites, a full list of which is available at