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What’s next for vaccines Local experts discuss where the COVID-19 effort is headed
RAFAEL MALDONADO/NEWS-PRESS
As Santa Barbara County enters a drought season, WaterWiseSB, the county’s hub for all things water conservation, is calling on residents to conserve water. One way residents can do this is by switching to “water wise” lawns, such as the one shown above.
Water conservation during the drought Experts give some tips By MADISON HIRNEISEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
With Santa Barbara County currently in a state of extreme drought, there are various actions local residents can take to help conserve water and mitigate drought impacts. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor report, 85% of the state is in extreme drought, and 33% is in the monitor’s most severe
category listing of “exceptional drought.” With the winter rainy season still months away, Gov. Gavin Newsom called on state residents to voluntarily reduce water usage by 15% last week in 50 counties across the state, including Santa Barbara County. WaterWiseSB, the local hub for all things water conservation, has a few tips for local residents. Please see DROUGHT on A3 RAFAEL MALDONADO/NEWS-PRESS
The vaccine effort has slowed in Santa Barbara County in recent months. In April, the county’s Public Health Department administered more than 148,600 vaccine doses, while last month, that number dropped to around 31,700.
By MADISON HIRNEISEN NEWS-PRESS STAFF WRITER
COURTESY PHOTO
Volunteers Sarah Avery, left, and Kaitlyn Tang help during Waypoint Church Santa Barbara’s monthly food drive, which has raised nearly 2,500 pounds of food for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
Church’s effort helps Foodbank The church is continuing to host the food drive every third Sunday of the month. The next one will take place from 10 Waypoint Church Santa Barbara’s monthly drive-through a.m. to noon this Sunday at the church, 3942 La food drives are making a difference. MORE INSIDE Colina Road. Volunteers will be “We have raised The Foodbank of masked and/or fully nearly 2,500 pounds Santa Barbara County of food that we’ve is hosting a children’s vaccinated. Donors will have the option donated to the summer lunch to drive through Foodbank (of Santa program. Story, B2. the church parking Barbara County),” lot to drop off their Pastor Tarik Burton donations (canned and other told the News-Press Thursday about the drive, which started in non-perishable goods), contactApril. Please see FOODBANK on A2 By DAVE MASON
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feel less vulnerable to disease in general or to accidents,” Dr. Ansorg said. “They are more ready to take risks in life rather than people over 50 or 55. (Older individuals) are more concerned about not taking risks and being careful, so that’s why we see a much higher percentage in people over 50 getting vaccinated compared to the ones (ages) 20-40.” Dr. Ansorg said even those who have been previously healthy remain at risk of getting the disease. Young people also remain at risk for developing longterm COVID-19, which includes symptoms like prolonged fatigue,
achiness and even depression for months after having the virus. In addition to the age factor, Dr. Ansorg said another reason for the vaccine slowdown can be attributed to the politicization of the vaccine in the media and on social media. He said conservative personalities, such as Tucker Carlson of Fox News, are “vilifying” the vaccine to audiences, and this is having an impact on whether people get the vaccine. “(The vaccine) has nothing to do with politics at all,” Dr. Please see VACCINES on A4
DAVE MASON/NEWS-PRESS
COURTESY PHOTO
At left, Dr. Henning Ansorg, the county’s public health officer, said the county has struggled to vaccinate the county’s population of 18 to 40 year olds. At right, Dr. David Fisk, an infectious disease expert with Sansum Clinic and Cottage Health, is encouraging everyone to get a vaccine to protect against the spread of the Delta variant.
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With the vaccination rate slowing nationwide, local physicians and vaccine providers in Santa Barbara County are facing the unique challenge of convincing a hesitant portion of the population to get their shots. The county’s vaccination effort has seen a significant slowdown over the past three months. In April, the effort peaked with more than 148,600 doses administered by the county’s Public Health Department. Since then, the number of shots given, as well as the interest of unvaccinated individuals, has waned. In May, the county Public Health Department doled out nearly 74,000 shots, and last month, that number fell to 31,700. When vaccine eligibility expanded for all residents 15 and older in April, vaccine access and availability was a primary barrier for most residents getting their shot. When new vaccine appointments were made available across the county, it was a race among residents to see who could snatch up the appointments on a firstcome, first-serve basis. But many of those access issues have largely been resolved over time as the Public Health Department began holding mobile clinics in restaurants, at community events and workplaces, and pharmacies and hospitals largely offer shots for walk-ins. Today, access to a vaccine is not a significant barrier for many county residents, though officials are continuing efforts to reach those who struggle with literacy issues, who may not have access to the internet or who have
transportation issues. As the efforts continue, officials are now facing the challenge of how to address misinformation and convince a hesitant group of citizens to get their shot in the arm. According to Dr. Henning Ansorg, the county’s public health officer, the county is facing a significant challenge in getting people between the ages of 18 and 40 vaccinated. He told the News-Press that this is likely because this age group feels a “false sense of security” and safety based on their youth and previous good health. “People in that age (range)
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