Some clinics close, others remain open during storm
SANTA CRUZ >> Depending on the operator, those registered to be vaccinated this week will either have to brave the storm to get their shots or take a later appointment.
County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency spokeswoman Corinne Hyland said Tuesday morning that vaccinations are still ongoing at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville, an operation that started earlier this week. Right now, health care workers and those 75 and older living in the 95019, 95076 and 95077 ZIP codes who have made an appointment through the Safeway registration platform are being inoculated. On Monday, 140 vaccinations were given, and approximately 341 are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Hyland said, totaling 1,042 vaccinations.
“All appointments have been filled for the week,” Hyland said. “At this time, no clinics have been suspended or canceled, although depending on weather conditions, this could change.”
Dominican Hospital plans to continue vaccinating community members rain or shine.
“Dominican Hospital continues to partner with the County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency and other health care providers in the community to work through the remaining COVID-19 vaccinations for the Phase 1A group of essential health care workers in our region,” said Dominican Hospital President Dr. Nanette Mickiewicz on Tuesday afternoon. “We plan to continue our vaccine clinics this week, in spite of the weather.”
Watsonville Community Hospital is vaccinating fire and EMS first responders at this time, and is serving approximately 70 to 80 people a day, said assistant to the CEO Lisa Nell. Nell confirmed efforts will continue during the unpredictable weather.
A Sutter Health spokesperson said the health system is prioritizing the most vulnerable at its drive-thru clinic including those 75 years of age and older and community health care workers.
“These populations are at greatest risk, according to CDC guidance,” the spokesperson said. “Clinic days and hours may vary, but patients will not be scheduled during off-times.”
To date, Santa Cruz County has received 21,775 Moderna and Pfizer vaccine doses, distributed 9,200 doses and allocated the remaining 12,575 doses to those eligible at this time. These numbers do not include doses received and administered by multi-county entities such as Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health and Dignity Health (Dominican Hospital).
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the creation of a statewide vaccine delivery network Tuesday, one that is meant to “simplify and standardize” the vaccination process with equity being a top focus. Three changes will be implemented: a simplified eligibility, a standardized method for information A prepared statement explained that by mid-February the state will implement a standard under which health care workers, those 65 and older and education, child care, emergency services, food and agriculture workers will be able to start making appointments to receive their vaccine doses.
A pilot program launched in Los Angeles and San Diego counties called MyTurn, mentioned previously by Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel, will provide a new system for Californians to learn when they are eligible to be vaccinated and provide a space for them to make an appointment. In addition, vaccination data will be traceable for patients and providers alike. In February, the pilot should expand to other, smaller counties, Newsom said Monday.
Finally, California will build a statewide vaccine administration network to speed equitable delivery of the current vaccine supply to eligible Californians. Through a third-party administrator, the state will allocate vaccines directly to providers for efficiency’s sake.
“While the state will drive faster administration of available vaccine supply, overall vaccine supply into California will continue to be dictated by the federal government,” Newsom’s media spokespeople said in the statement.
Those eligible and interested in getting their COVID-19 vaccine shots should contact their local medical group website to learn which priority groups are being vaccinated and how to schedule an appointment. Those without insurance can visit santacruzhealth. org and click on the blue “Vaccine” button.