JNJ-78436735 is Janssen Pharmaceuticals Companies of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine. It is a one-dose vaccine for individuals 18 and over, with full protection 28 days after vaccination. The vaccine has been shown to be effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and death. (Photo courtesy of Janssen Pharmaceuticals)

Contra Costa County health officials are encouraging people age 50 and older who live or work in the county to get the COVID-19 vaccine this week, as there are thousands of appointments for the shots available.

Appointments can be made online at https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/ or by calling (833) 829-2626.

Current eligibility in the county includes the following:

— Anyone who is 50 or older who lives or works in the county;

— Anyone who is 16 or older who has a high-risk health condition, disability or illness and who lives or works in the county (check eligibility at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/vaccine-high-risk-factsheet.aspx);

— Essential workers who live or work in county, including healthcare personnel, emergency services workers, education and childcare workers, agriculture and food workers, transportation and logistics workers and anyone who lives or works in a congregate living space in the county.

County officials said they expect to open eligibility later this week to those people age 16 and older.