As we navigate the various challenges of life, it’s crucial to remember that our mental health is just as vital as our physical well-being, if not more so. In times of uncertainty and adversity, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but please know that you are not alone. At DC 16, we believe in fostering a […]
April 19, 2024COVID-19 Vaccines
Posted January 20, 2021
| The COVID-19 vaccine effort is the largest mass vaccination effort in U.S. history. Success will largely depend on strong collaboration between federal, state, and local governments. Contra Costa Health Services’ (CCHS) vaccination plan is under way, starting with those at the highest risk of getting COVID-19 or getting seriously sick from the virus. All vaccines are free. This includes healthcare workers and residents of most congregate care residences. The county is following the state guidelines for vaccination priorities, a tiered system, with extensive local input. Our vaccination program is expanding quickly. Expect updates weekly, if not daily. The best source of current vaccination data is the COVID-19 vaccination website. It is regularly updated. I encourage everyone to check it out, and keep an eye on it for new information. This week, the county started making vaccines available to all residents age 65 or over. This followed an announcement from Governor Newsom (on Wednesday, January 13) that the state was expanding vaccine distribution to this group. The county vaccination program is currently open to all residents, but the goal is for people with private or other insurance such as Kaiser to get their vaccinations through their provider. They are ramping up their vaccination programs as well. Contact your provider for details. Here is some information on the county’s program: Any county resident 65 or over can make an appointment now, online on the vaccine webpage. Starting next Tuesday, you can also call the county’s new toll-free COVID-19 vaccine appointment line at 833-829-2626 or 833-VAX-COCO Vaccines are only available by appointment and slots fill up fast. When you make an appointment, you get a call back for confirmation. County Health Services is building vaccination capacity as quickly as it can. The county expects that vaccines will become available in coming weeks for county residents who are essential workers, such as educators, grocery store workers and public transit workers. Right now, the county is vaccinating everyone in Phase 1 A and has started Phase 1 B. (County Vaccination Phases) Phase 1 A -Healthcare workers (tiers 1, 2, 3) -Employees & residents of long-term care facilities (Largely conducted by Walgreens and CVS pharmacies in partnership with the federal government.) Phase 1 B -People ages 75 and over -People 65 – 74 -Frontline essential workers -Congregate settings with outbreak risk The vaccination plan changes often, based on vaccine availability, health care capacity, and partnerships with other care providers and pharmacies. Check the website to stay on top of the plan. If you are in any of the groups currently eligible for a vaccine, please don’t hesitate and make your appointment! The more people who get vaccinated, the closer we get to ending this pandemic. In the meantime, please stay home, physically distance 6 feet or more, and wear a mask when outside! Prevention measures are still crucial to protecting ourselves and our loved ones. |
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