County anticipates vaccine arrival
Santa Cruz County’s deaths related to COVID-19 hit 50
SANTA CRUZ >> Santa Cruz County health officials expect to start receiving COVID-19 vaccines for storage early next week.
The County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency announced Thursday morning that it had submitted a COVID-19 Vaccine Plan to the California Department of Public Health, which organizes the processes of management and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines locally in collaboration with local healthcare providers, according to a prepared statement from HSA. These processes follow the recommendations of several scientific and medical experts, including the CDPH.
“The county’s goal is to provide safe and effective COVID-19 immunizations to as many residents as want one,” the statement includes. “Vaccinations will help reduce COVID-19-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths and to help restore societal functioning.”
When a limited delivery comes, the distribution will be reserved for local hospitals. The twodose vaccine, which requires ultracold or cold
storage depending on the maker, will be distributed via primary care providers, clinics, pharmacies and the county, the county said. It’s possible that mass vaccination strategies could include community drivethrus and pop-up facilities.
‘Happening very quickly’
When speaking about the possibility of a vaccine in November, Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said that the first doses will be saved for essential workers such as first responders and those who work in skilled nursing and residential care facilities.
“I think it’s important to note that yes, we may have a vaccine very soon, but that vaccine is only one part of a community strategy to keep COVID under control,” county Health Director Mimi Hall said at the time.
Widespread distribution may not occur for months, the CDPH has warned citizens, and everyone should continue to use their best judgment in social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands and other encouraged hygiene practices.
Hoppin said that footage will be publicized of the vaccines arriving as it is a “pretty historic” moment in Santa Cruz County.
“This is all happening very quickly, very fluidly,” he said.
Both online and at public meetings, such as the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, some residents have questioned the legitimacy
“There is a whole process for vaccine approval in America and an independent review board in California,” Hoppin told the Sentinel Wednesday. “It comes with restrictions and we will implement whatever the state requires. My advice to anybody who doesn’t feel comfortable taking the vaccine is just to not take it.”
The state has also created a page meant to address concerns and debunk myths around vaccinations meant to protect Californians from COVID-19. For details, visit covid19.ca.gov/vaccines.
To learn more about CDPH’s allocation guidelines for the vaccine, visit https:// bit.ly/3qLVy9x.
Death toll increase
In addition to information about vaccine distribution, HSA updated its coronavirus data dashboard Thursday morning to reflect a total of 50 deaths — an uptick of three deaths in the last 48 hours.
According to Hoppin, the 48th deceased individual was a white woman in her 80s with no underlying conditions that would have contributed to her death. She was a resident of Santa Cruz Post Acute.
The 49th deceased individual was a Latino man in his 60s with no underlying conditions; COVID-19 was the sole cause of his death. He was not a resident of any skilled nursing or residential care facility in the county.
The 50th deceased individual was a Latina woman in her 50s who had more than one underlying condition that contributed to her death. She also was not a resident of any facility in the county.