Changes to vaccine clinics coming next week
While we are seeing generally positive trends with regard to case rates and testing positivity in Lake County, COVID-19 remains widespread. The “California Variant,” known as L452R, has also been identified in Lake County (Nine of 40 samples tested in January included this variant). While L452R is considered a “Variant of Interest,” i.e., thought to be less worrisome than other “Variant(s) of Concern,” it is a reminder COVID-19 is an evolving threat, and precautions must be taken prevent future surges.
Public Health’s Vaccination Clinics will be changing next week, with “Drive-To” sites in the Cities of Lakeport (Monday, Tuesday) and Clearlake (Thursday, Friday).
We have been extremely fortunate to get a lot of community volunteer support to help with the sites. We are now expanding our operations, will be calling all current Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) members, and we are always looking for new MRC volunteers. If you would like to sign up and support our efforts, contact the Health
Department, 707-263-1090, and ask to be connected with Dean.
While we anticipate a greater number of people will ultimately be able to be served at these new outdoor locations (subject to vaccine availability), appointments are still required, and eligibility will be verified prior to administration of the vaccine.
When eligible visit http:// health.co.lake.ca.us/Coronavirus/Vaccines.htm to schedule an appointment for your first vaccine dose. Links for the current State vaccination registration platform and appointment scheduling are available there. When appointments are available, people eligible to be vaccinated that have trouble using the online platform are encouraged to call 707-9934644 for assistance.
If you already received your first dose though one of our clinics, Public Health staff will contact you confirming the date, time and location for your second dose appointment. These appointments are typically scheduled four weeks following the first dose. You will be notified five to seven days in advance. If you have not heard from us at the expected interval, write to MHOAC@lakecountyca.gov or call 707-263-8174.
Because of changes in location and days of the vaccination sites, you may need to go to a different site than the one where you received your first dose, and possibly on a different day of the week.
Vaccine distribution must be swift, equitable
The State provides general vaccine priority guidance. All counties use the same eligibility tiers, and age- and sector-based risk criteria must be balanced by emphasis on reaching people in “disproportionately impacted communities, settings and populations.”
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/VaccineAllocationGuidelines.aspx
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2021/01/25/to-improve-statewide-vaccinations-governor-newsomannounces-actions-to-simplify-standardize-and-address-supply-needs/
Lake County’s Latino and Native American communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Local data also demonstrated protecting Agricultural Workers (Phase 1B, currently eligible, vaccination started this week) must be an immediate point of emphasis.
To assist in setting areas of Lake County-specific vaccination priority, I have established the COVID-19 Ethics Ad Hoc Committee. This group includes strong advocates from the Latino and Native American communities, Business and Agriculture, Hospital and Primary Care Medicine, and an “At-large” representative.
Requests for consideration by the committee should include the name or group making the request, the group or category of people recommended for reprioritization and the basis or justification for the request (not to exceed 200 words). Requests can be submitted by contacting the MHOAC (Medical Health Operational Area Coordinator), addressed to “Ethics Committee”, at: MHOAC@lakecountyca.gov or by writing to MHOAC — Attention: COVID-19 Ethics Committee 922 Bevins Court, Lakeport, CA 95453