County increases vaccine eligibility

Many with serious health conditions now eligible

More Mendocino County residents are now eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccines, including school bus drivers and those who work in the lodging industry, county officials reported Tuesday.

According to a March 2 press release, all previous groups are still eligible, and newly eligible groups include, “all tiers of Phase 1B, including food, agriculture, logging, education and childcare (including school bus drivers), emergency services, those over the age of 65, and lodging.”

Last week, information posted by county officials on social media included the lodging industry by mistake, but a county public in

formation officer confirmed Tuesday that lodging workers are now indeed eligible.

Additionally, people over 16 with certain health conditions are now eligible, and are described by county officials as “those between the ages of 16 and 64 with the following comorbidities or disabilities:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (stage 4 or over)

• Chronic Lung Disease (oxygen dependent)

• Cancer

• Heart disease

• Immunocompromised State (from chemotherapy, or other medical conditions)

• Diabetes (with hemoglobin A1c level greater than 7.5%)

• Severe Obesity (with a Body Mass Index of >40)

• Sickle Cell Disease

• Pregnancy

• Chronic Disabilities (physical or mental)

According to the county, “clinicians may use their judgment and include others who would be more vulnerable to Covid-19, or those whose condition would cause more difficulty caring for them if they contracted Covid-19.”

People who fit the comorbidity or disability criteria above are urged to “sign up for a county or hospitalhosted vaccination event. A doctor’s note with Physician letterhead will be required stating that you are eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine based on health condition,” the release states. “If you are eligible and sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine, please bring proof of eligibility such as a driver’s license, a letter with your name and address, something that shows your age, a letter from your health care provider regarding health condition, something that shows you work in one of the occupational categories such as a pay stub, business card, or letter from supervisor.”

Officials also note that “vaccinations are confidential and do not affect immigration status.”

“Since our vaccine supply is increasing, this is the time to get vaccinated,” Mendocino County Health Officer Dr. Andy Coren is quoted as saying, adding that people can sign up at Myturn.ca.gov or by calling 1-833-422-4255.

County officials also note that “our vaccines are reserved for those who live in Mendocino County, or those who work in Mendocino County. Do not sign up for any vaccination event that you are not eligible for. Proof of eligibility is required, and you will be turned away if you do not qualify.”

To view all upcoming county-hosted COVID-19 vaccination events and their eligibility requirements, visit https://www. mendocinocounty.org/community/novel-coronavirus/ covid-19-vaccinations/vaccination-clinics.