Cal State L.A. announced it would open up its vaccination site to all adults without restrictions, Thursday, but had to turn away people after an influx of walk-ins.

The vaccination site said the open call was not because of lack of demand but an overabundance of Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccines.

“To the extent to which appointments go unfilled, there may be a limited number of appointments available as walk ups for individuals 18+ between tomorrow and continuing through Sunday when management of the site transfers to the city,” CAL OES spokesman Brian Ferguson told CBSLA in a statement Wednesday. “Providing vaccinators working at the site some flexibility to fill vacant appointment slots allows us to expand the rate of vaccinations in California in an efficient, effective and equitable manner.”

As quickly as people lined up, the site had accounted for its extra supply, turning away hopeful walk-ups by 10 a.m. and asking them to make weekend appointments online instead.

On Wednesday, Rite-Aid pharmacy took walk-ups at its downtown L.A. location at the Million Dollar Theater as the site also received an oversupply of Johnson & Johnson supply.

Supervisor Janice Hahn also pointed out that the Port of Los Angeles had appointment openings for the J&J vaccine on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eligibility will officially expand to all L.A. County adults 16 and older on April 15, with no restrictions.

 

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