Bay Area Health Officers Urge Public to Take Precautions as COVID Levels Rise
Contra Costa Health Reaches for Zero Preventable COVID-19 Deaths
Press Release Contra Costa Health, Monday, May 2, 2022
Contra Costa Health (CCH) has launched a new initiative that refocuses the county’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic on eliminating preventable deaths in Contra Costa County.
The effort, called Path to Zero, includes tactics to increase use of underutilized COVID-19 protections in the county, particularly prescription of medications and home testing resources, and particularly in communities where infection and death rates are highest.
“No one should die from COVID-19 when free testing, vaccines and effective medication are all readily available in our community. Preventable COVID-19 deaths in our county are unacceptable,” Contra Costa Health Director Anna Roth said. “The time has come for us to think differently about this virus. When a member of our community dies from COVID today, we should understand why and then work to remove any barriers to treatment that may have contributed to that death.”
CCH has opened the Contra Costa Health Plan advice nurse line to any county resident who tests positive for COVID-19 (PCR/lab or home test). Advice nurses screen callers and schedule free telehealth appointments and prescriptions for treatment, if medically appropriate.
Most people 12 and older can get a prescription for antiviral medication that reduces the risk of serious illness or death, but it works best within 48 hours of a positive test result. Call 1-877-661-6230 if you test positive to make an appointment for a free same-day consultation.
CCH also issued a health advisory to community medical providers urging them to ensure that all county residents who test positive for COVID-19 have timely access to medicine if appropriate for the patient’s health background.
In coming weeks CCH will roll out additional efforts to reduce preventable COVID-19 deaths, intended to reduce spread of the virus in the community, save lives through early testing and treatment, and to address social inequities that place many residents at higher risk of dying from COVID-19.
“There are stark differences in COVID mortality rates between our wealthiest, healthiest neighborhoods and those with significant challenges to community health,” said Gilbert Salinas, CCH Chief Equity Officer. “Path to Zero helps us to sharpen our focus on our most vulnerable communities.”
The Path to Zero campaign will be informed by a mortality review team of medical experts who will comprehensively analyze the county’s COVID-19 deaths to better understand possible missed opportunities to access care and treatment, and to prevent deaths more effectively. Mortality review is a medical best practice used to fight many other diseases, including tuberculosis and HIV.
“We already know many of the steps we need to reduce preventable deaths in our county,” said Dr. Ori Tzvieli, Contra Costa’s Health Officer. “This approach allows us to fine-tune our efforts to ensure we provide maximum benefit where it is needed the most.”
The mortality review process will help CCH develop an evidence-based description of what a “preventable” COVID-19 death looks like – typically one in which the patient did not have access or did not use some of the means available to reduce risk of serious illness or death as the result of infection.
As of April 29, 1,302 people in Contra Costa County have died from COVID-19. Among counties with 1 million or more residents, Contra Costa has one of the lowest per-capita COVID mortality rates in the nation, with 112 recorded deaths due to the virus per 100,000 population. But mortality rates varied greatly within the county, with mortality rates in the census tracts of the county’s healthiest census tracts, as identified by California’s Healthy Places Index, as much as five times lower than rates in neighborhoods with the most challenges to community health.
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Second Booster Doses Available for Contra Costa Residents Who are 50+
- People who are 50 or older
- People who are considered moderately to severely immunocompromised.
Treatments are Available for People Recently Infected with COVID-19
March 31 Weekly Update (constantcontact.com)
Masking Requirements in K-12 Schools and Childcare Settings Ending After March 11
Eleven Bay Area Health Officers to Lift Most Indoor Mask Mandates on February 16
Unvaccinated individuals over age 2 will continue to be required to wear masks in all indoor public settings. Businesses, venue operators and hosts may determine their own paths forward to protect staff and patrons and may choose to require all patrons to wear masks. Indoor masking is still required by the State for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, in public transportation; health care settings; congregate settings like correctional facilities and homeless shelters; long term care facilities; and in K-12 schools and childcare settings.Contra Costa County Reaches 80% Vaccinated and Sunsets Vaccine Verification Requirement – Proof of Vaccination or Recent Test No Longer Required at Restaurants, Gyms
You can order FREE at home COVID-19 test kits to be mailed to you at no cost from the federal government at https://covidtests.gov.
NEW – Cal/OSHA FAQ on CDPH’s Isolation and Quarantine Changes
Dear California Employer,
On January 6, 2022, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) made changes to isolation and quarantine periods, also called “exclusion periods” in Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention emergency temporary standards (ETS). CDPH’s updated periods of isolation and quarantine override Cal/OSHA’s ETS workplace exclusion periods as a result of the Executive Order N-84-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom in December 2020. To assist employers with understanding their obligations required by these changes, Cal/OSHA has updated its Q&A on CDPH Isolation and Quarantine found in the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards Frequently Asked Questions.
For more information or to receive technical assistance regarding these changes in CDPH’s guidance and establishing an effective written COVID-19 Prevention Program, employers can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 1-800-963-9424.
Thank you for your commitment to making California a safer place to work.
DOSH Communications, Division of Occupational Safety & Health, DOSHCommunications@dir.ca.gov
Contra Costa County Adopts Shorter Isolation and Quarantine Periods for the General Public
Wednesday, January 5, 2021, Press Releases :: Contra Costa Health Services (cchealth.org)
Starting tomorrow, Contra Costa County will align with state guidance that recommends shorter isolation and quarantine periods for people infected with or exposed to COVID-19.
These state guidelines are for the general public and not healthcare workers, who have their own isolation and quarantine guidance. K-12 students and workers should also check with their schools and employers about requirements for returning to school or work since state guidance may differ for those settings. Read more here.
Contra Costa Issues Update to Indoor Masking Order
Bay Area Health Officers Urge Boosters to Protect Against Omicron Variant
Friday, December 17, 2021; cchealth.org
Public health agencies across the Bay Area urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated and, if eligible, get a booster shot right away to protect against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.
Widely available via appointment or drop-in sites, boosters maintain the power of vaccines to strongly protect against severe illness and death from COVID-19. Everyone should get one when eligible, but particularly those over 50 or those with significant underlying health conditions.
Get one if you are at least 16 years old and:
- 6 months have passed since your second dose of Moderna (for 18+)
- 6 months have passed since your second dose of Pfizer (for 16+)
- 2 months have passed since your Johnson & Johnson Dose (for 18+)
Public health officials in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma counties as well as the City of Berkeley encourage anyone eligible who needs a booster dose to get one as soon as possible.
To find a booster shot appointment or drop-in booster location in Contra Costa County, please go to coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-vaccinated. Appointments at Contra Costa Health Services’ (CCHS) no-cost vaccination clinics are available online or by calling 1-833-829-2626.
Currently, just 31.9% of eligible Contra Costa residents have received a booster, and approximately 246,000 residents who are 50 years and over have yet to get their booster shot.
While there have been no confirmed cases of the Omicron variant reported to CCHS, evidence of this variant has been detected in a county wastewater sample.
Many more cases of Omicron are expected to be reported in the coming days and weeks, and, based on the exponential growth in cases being seen in Europe, there is a significant risk of exponential growth in COVID-19 cases in our region. The United Kingdom currently has more COVID-19 cases than at any time during the 2-year pandemic. Other highly vaccinated countries that mirror the Bay Area’s high vaccination rates, such as Denmark and Norway, are predicting Omicron will become the dominant variant in a matter of days.
Evidence suggests that Omicron spreads more rapidly than other variants, and more is being learned every day. Although some evidence suggests that a lower percentage of people infected with Omicron may be hospitalized and die, if a surge causes many thousands of new cases per day, even a small percentage of that total entering our hospitals will overwhelm healthcare delivery systems.
“Now more than ever, receiving a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible is an urgent, healthy choice to protect yourself and your family,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, health officer for Contra Costa County. “Even if you were fully vaccinated earlier this year, two shots are no longer enough. We know protection against infection from the vaccines declines over time, so booster doses are critical for everyone who was vaccinated at least 6 months ago.”
In addition to vaccinations and boosters, masking, testing, ventilation, and distancing remain an effective multi-layered defense against COVID-19. As the holiday season is upon us, people should stay mindful of risks and take steps to decrease them.
If people must travel or gather for the holidays:
- Anyone who develops symptoms of COVID-19 should isolate themselves and get tested as soon as possible.
- Get tested before gathering or traveling, upon return, and again 3-5 days later.
- Have everyone ages 5+ get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster if eligible.
- Take advantage of quick and easy home test kits available in pharmacies and stores.
- Wear a mask indoors and in crowded settings.
- Keep group gatherings small. Gather with close family units.
- Outside gatherings are safer than indoor gatherings.
- Be particularly cautious around elderly or immunocompromised individuals and consider COVID-19 testing before such interactions.
Parents of very young children and those who have not been vaccinated should make sure to take all advised precautions. Avoid large gatherings. Always wear a mask in indoor public settings (unless under age 2).
Vaccinations are available at no cost to the public, insurance is not required, and there are no immigration requirements. Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to learn more.
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Contra Costa’s Local Indoor-Masking Order Remains in Effect with Limited Exceptions for Gyms and Offices
Post Date: 12/15/2021 8:49 AM, City of Lafayette
As of December 15, 2021, a new statewide masking order now requires everyone to wear masks in indoor public spaces regardless of their vaccination status. Until this week, state guidance only required unvaccinated people to wear masks indoors.
The state order only applies to local jurisdictions that don’t have their own indoor-masking orders. Since Contra Costa already has a local masking order in place, the new statewide masking mandate doesn’t affect us.
People in Contra Costa, regardless of vaccination status, will have to keep wearing face coverings in public settings. Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) will continue to allow limited exceptions for controlled spaces not open to the general public where everyone is fully vaccinated, such as offices, gyms and fitness centers, employee commuter vehicles, indoor college classes and religious gatherings.
While cases in Contra Costa have gone up since Thanksgiving, the County has one of the highest vaccination rates in California and hospitalizations are far below levels seen during the past summer and lower than in many other counties.
Contra Costa’s indoor-masking order will stay in place unless the county meets criteria for lifting the local mandate. To see our progress for meeting those criteria, visit the County’s Indoor Mask Mandate Dashboard.
Do you need to still check for vaccine records and personal ID? Answer: YES
Business establishments that serve food and drinks and fitness facilities are required to exclude patrons 12 and older from certain indoor areas if they do not show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result from the past three days. Workers who work in indoor portions of these businesses are required to show proof of full vaccination or weekly test results.
We want to keep Contra Costa County businesses open and safe. Places where people remove masks to eat and drink indoors and where people breathe heavily during exercise, increase the risk of COVID-19 spreading.
Masks are still required indoors, even if you show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
Where to Show Proof of Vaccination
Everyone 12 years and older must show proof of vaccination or a negative test result before going into or working at a high-risk indoor place, including:
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Theaters where food and beverages are served
- Gyms
- Recreation facilities
- Yoga studios
- Dance studios
How to Show Proof of Vaccination
You can show proof of vaccination by showing photo ID and one of the following items:
- Your CDC vaccination record card or a copy or photo of your card
- Your WHO Yellow Card, provided when vaccinated in many other countries
- Your digital vaccine record issued by the State of California
- Documentation from your healthcare provider stating you’re fully vaccinated
People who are not vaccinated must show a negative COVID-19 test result from a test taken in the past three days. The results must be from a nucleic acid (PCR) or antigen test that detects a COVID-19 infection. These tests are available through your healthcare provider, county-run sites, and state-run sites. A letter from your healthcare provider stating the result of your COVID-19 test and the date the test was performed can also be used as proof. Results from at-home COVID-19 tests are not acceptable documentation and should not be used for this purpose.
Businesses & Workers
Businesses that must verify vaccination or negative testing must ask each customer for photo identification and proof full vaccination or negative test result and ensure the names match on the records provided. Click here to read frequently asked questions about the health order.
This requirement only applies to indoor areas of businesses. No verification is required for outdoor dining or activities. Masked patrons who have not provided vaccine or testing verification may briefly enter a business that requires it to use the restroom, pick up or deliver food or goods, or perform other transactions that do not require them to be inside the business for an extended period.
Workers at businesses serving food and drinks indoors or fitness facilities must show proof of full vaccination. If not fully vaccinated, workers must test for COVID-19 weekly and provide negative test results to their employer.
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update
November 11, 2021, https://conta.cc/3neNcrD
➡ Covid Vaccines For Children 5-11 in High Demand
➡ Many Residents Eligible for Boosters
➡ Dashboard Shows Progress Toward Lifting Indoor Masking Order in Contra Costa County
➡ Masking Still Required in Most Public Spaces
➡ COVID Status of Contra Costa County
Contra Costa to Lift Masking Requirements in Some Indoor Settings on Nov. 1.
October 14, 2021. Read more: https://bit.ly/3BJQhEC
Bay Area Health Officers Issue Criteria for Lifting Indoor Masking Requirements
Thursday, October 7, 2021
As decisions to vaccinate and wear face coverings indoors drive down COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations, health officers for the nine Bay Area jurisdictions that require face coverings in most indoor public spaces today reached consensus on criteria to lift those health orders. Read more here.
Contra Costa County Plans Efficient, Equitable Rollout of COVID-19 Booster Vaccine
- those who are 65 or older
- residents of long-term care facilities
- those who are 50 to 64 with underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to social inequities, including those from communities of color
- those who are 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions
- those who are 18 to 64 and at increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their occupation or institutional setting
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update
September 17, 2021
New COVID-19 Health Order: COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination or Test Required for Some Contra Costa Businesses Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record It’s Not Just Public Health Officers Asking People to Get Vaccinated, It’s Your Own Local Doctor COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Are Available for Some Immunocompromised People
And more!
Live Performers Can Drop Their Masks in Fully Vaccinated Venues
Thursday, September 2, 2021 READ UPDATE HERE from Supervisor Candace Andersen
➡ Updated Information for Quarantining in Contra Costa County
➡ COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Now Available for Some Immunocompromised People
➡ Federal Unemployment Benefits End September 4, Available Resources to Help With Food, Healthcare & Housing
➡ Suicide Prevention Community Forum on Youth and Suicide
➡ Immigration Inclusion Welcoming Plan
➡ Information for Voting in the Upcoming Recall Election of Governor Newsom
➡ Contra Costa County Seeks Nominations for Humanitarian of the Year
Contra Costa Releases COVID-19 Safety Guidance for Youth Sports and Activities
Thursday, September 2, 2021 READ MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Face Coverings Required in Public Indoor Settings to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Post Date: 08/03/2021 2:18 PM, City of Lafayette
As of August 3, 2021, all people, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear face coverings in public indoor settings in Contra Costa County until further notice. Public settings include but are not limited to business offices, retail stores, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meeting rooms and State and local government facilities where services are provided to the public.
Vaccination continues to protect against severe COVID-19 illness, but with the COVID-19 Delta variant now infecting a small percentage of vaccinated people as well as many unvaccinated people, Contra Costa County and other Bay Area health officers have issued health orders requiring masks indoors in public places.
This order does not apply to people in the following circumstances:
- When alone in a room.
- When actively eating or drinking.
- When swimming or showering.
- When receiving care or other service that requires removal of the face covering, including by way of example and without limitation, medical care requiring exposure of the nose or mouth, cosmetic services involving the face, and dental procedures.
- When exempt from wearing face coverings under the State Face Covering Guidance or other applicable California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance. The State Face Covering Guidance exempts the following individuals from wearing masks:
- Persons younger than two years old. Very young children must not wear a mask because of the risk of suffocation.
- Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a mask, including persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a mask could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance.
- Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
- Persons for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined.
For more information, read the Contra Costa Health Services Health Order and Press Release (issued 8/2/2021)
Bay Area Health Officials Urge Immediate Vaccination and Issue Orders Requiring Use of Face Coverings Indoors to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and the City of Berkeley Indoor Masking Orders Take Effect Tuesday
Vaccination continues to protect against severe COVID-19 illness, but with the COVID-19 Delta variant now infecting a small percentage of vaccinated people as well as many unvaccinated people, eight Bay Area health officers have issued health orders requiring masks indoors in public places.
The orders require all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, August 3rd.
Vaccines remain the most powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Nonetheless, the Delta variant is infecting a small percentage of the vaccinated in the Bay Area — who still remain strongly protected against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. In those instances of infection in a vaccinated person, a face covering prevents further spread. Bay Area health officials urge all unvaccinated residents 12 and older to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“We must act now to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community. If you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine and have not yet done so, please do not wait any longer,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, health officer for Contra Costa. “During July the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in our county increased 400%. Four out of five of the COVID patients we see are not vaccinated, even though only one out of five Contra Costa adults are not vaccinated.”
These health orders aim to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 and protect everyone. Health officials are very concerned by the substantial levels of community transmission now found across the Bay Area, especially among unvaccinated people. In part, this is due to the widespread COVID-19 Delta variant, which is substantially more transmissible than previous forms of the virus. Recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also indicates that even fully vaccinated individuals can in some cases spread the Delta variant to others, and so indoor use of face coverings provides an important added layer of protection.
The new Health Orders require wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public settings. Indoor settings, whether public or private, are higher risk for COVID-19 transmission, especially when you are with people you do not live with. Health officials also recommend that all employers make face coverings available to individuals entering their businesses, and businesses are required to implement the indoor face covering order.
Today’s Health Orders are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health, which recommend that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks while in indoor public settings. Bay Area Health Officers will continue to monitor data, including increasing vaccination throughout the region, to determine when the Orders can be adjusted or lifted.
For more information about COVID-19, and how to get a free vaccine near you, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update – July 24, 2021
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/July-24-Weekly-Update.html?soid=1110465271384&aid=o5RJYACYzaI
➡ Contra Costa, Santa Clara County and San Francisco Public Health Officials Urge Employers to Consider Requiring Employee Vaccination to Promote COVID-Safe Workplaces
➡ Masking Indoors for Everyone is Recommended as a Precaution Against Increased Circulation of COVID-19
➡ Masking and Social Distancing Changes: Masks Required in Court Facilities Effective July 20
➡ COVID Status of Contra Costa County: Cases per day per 100,000 for unvaccinated is approximately 32 per 100,000
➡ COVID hospitalizations have more than doubled since the June 15 reopening when only 25 COVID patients were hospitalized.
➡ TRUTH Act Virtual Community Forum on July 27
➡ City Wide Sidewalk Sale
➡ I-680 Contra Costa Express Lanes Begin Tolling on August 20th
➡ Students Can Receive Two Months of Free Rides On County Connection
➡ Public Safety Power Shutoffs
➡ Contra Costa County Library Increases Hours at 17 Libraries
➡ BART Continues Limited Late Night Service for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
➡ Wildfire Risk to Communities Website
➡ Measure X Community Advisory Board Seeks Public Input
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s weekly update, July 16, 2021
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/July-16-Weekly-Update.html?soid=1110465271384&aid=A7SOSfmSAqg
With a new surge of COVID-19 driving up case rates and hospitalizations across the Bay Area, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) recommends that everyone consider wearing face coverings whenever they enter indoor public spaces, regardless of their vaccination status.
This extra precaution is not a requirement, but a healthy choice that Contra Costa and most other Bay Area counties endorse, including Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Sonoma, and the City of Berkeley.
➡ Masking Indoors for Everyone is Recommended as a Precaution Against Increased Circulation of COVID-19
➡ COVID-19 Rates Continue to Rise in Contra Costa
➡ COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2021-22 School Year
➡ Final Weekend of Free COVID-19 Vaccines at Local School Campuses
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s June 24th Weekly Update
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/June-24th-Weekly-Update.html?soid=1110465271384&aid=Kj8JfsPQnQ0
➡ Contra Costa County Continues to Align with California’s Grand Reopening
➡ State Unveils New Vaccine Verification System
➡ Regulations for Masks in the Workplace
➡ County’s Two Largest Private Healthcare Providers to Offer Vaccine Answers
➡ Bring Vaccinations to Your Workplace or Organization: Contra Costa Mobile COVID-19 Vaccine Service
➡ Free COVID-19 Vaccines Being Offered at Local School Campuses
➡ Contra Costa Rental Relief Program
➡ PG&E Financial Assistance Programs Available
➡ Make Your Plans for a Safe 4th of July Without Illegal Fireworks
➡ Contra Costa Wildfire Safety Regional Webinar
➡ Wildfire Risk to Communities Website
➡ BART Overnight Construction Work in Lafayette and Orinda
➡ Measure X Community Advisory Board Seeks Public Input
State Unveils New Vaccine Verification System
Posted in Supervisor Candace Andersen’s June 24th Weekly Update
County’s Two Largest Private Healthcare Providers to Offer Vaccine Answers
Free COVID-19 Vaccines Being Offered at Local School Campuses
- June 25-June 26: Acalanes High (Lafayette), Dallas Ranch Middle (Antioch), Freedom High (Oakley) no clinic on 6/26, San Ramon Valley High (Danville), Mt. Diablo High (Concord), Kennedy High (Richmond)
- June 29-July 3: De Anza High (Richmond), California High (San Ramon), Las Lomas High (Walnut Creek), Liberty High (Brentwood)
- July 6-10: Dougherty Valley High (San Ramon), Helms Middle School (San Pablo)
- July 13-17: San Ramon Valley High School (Danville)
Contra Costa begins new mobile COVID-19 vaccine service next week
Posted June 12, 2021, Contra Costa Health Services
* Businesses and community organizations can now request visits from Contra Costa Health Services’ (CCHS) mobile COVID-19 vaccination van to workplaces, community centers and other locations where five or more members of a group want to receive vaccine.
* The free mobile vaccination service begins Monday June 14. Any business or organization can request a mobile vaccination clinic using an online form at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3tkgKC3cY0OGJvKwA0OMRS41XWRGeRJBtHJgApNLJo1UMU0xQzA3M0E3RUVIRk8zOEdSR0o2UzNHUi4u if they are in the county and CCHS will send a mobile health van to provide free vaccinations on site within one week after completing the request.
* This service operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will only travel to locations within the county, though they will vaccinate anyone eligible regardless of where they live.
* There is no cap on the number of people who can be vaccinated during a visit.
* The state’s pandemic health orders will sunset on June 15, allowing fully vaccinated people to visit businesses and enjoy communal activities without the need for face masks or physical distancing. Visit the CCHS Beyond the Blueprint page https://www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/beyond-the-blueprint for details.
* But the health guidelines for people who are not vaccinated will remain largely unchanged – now is a great time to consider a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already gotten one.
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s June 10th Weekly Update:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/June-10th-Weekly-Update.html?soid=1110465271384&aid=ZCCl_VwJXEY
Supervisor Candace Andersen Weekly Update, May 27, 2021
➡ How Will California Open Up After June 15?
➡ California Leaves Face-Covering Requirement in Place
➡ Are You Vaccinated Yet? Free COVID-19 Vaccines Being Offered at Local School Campuses, June 1-June 5 and June 22-June 26 at Acalanes High School
➡ Vaccine Access for Those Who Cannot Leave Their Home
➡ What To Do if You Lose Your Vaccination Card
➡ Contra Costa’s Behavioral Health Community Crisis Response Initiative
➡ Red Cross Sponsored Blood Drives, Lafayette Library and Learning Center June 23, 10am-4pm
And so much more!!
Learn more in Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update here.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics to Open at Contra Costa County Schools
Contra Costa County Media Release Posted May 14, 2021, Read full Media Release here >>
Residents 12 and Older Should Not Wait to Get Vaccinated
Public school campuses across Contra Costa County will host free clinics beginning next week to ensure that every student who is 12 or older has access to safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine.
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) and Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with the Contra Costa Office of Education and several school districts, will begin sending mobile vaccine clinics to schools across the county on May 18. Clinics will rotate to new campuses weekly, later returning to provide second-dose appointments.
Not every school will host a clinic, but all campus clinics will welcome anyone eligible for vaccine – including students from other schools, family and community members.
“The goal is to help families that might not otherwise have the opportunity to get a free vaccine at a convenient location where they feel safe – the neighborhood school,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “But please do not wait. If you need a vaccine, we have a clinic in your area right now waiting for you.”
County-operated clinics in Contra Costa no longer require appointments. Appointments are available for patients who want them on the CCHS appointment page or by calling 1-833-829-2626.
The following school-based vaccine clinics are currently scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Clinic dates and locations are subject to change.
- May 18-22: Antioch Middle, Concord High.
- May 25-May 29: Edna Hill Middle (Brentwood), Pinole Valley High (Pinole), Pittsburg High, Ygnacio Valley High (Concord)
- June 1-June 5: Acalanes High (Lafayette), Dallas Ranch Middle (Antioch), Freedom High (Oakley)**, Iron Horse Middle (San Ramon), Kennedy High (Richmond), Mt. Diablo High (Concord)
- June 8-June 12: Antioch Middle, California High (San Ramon), Concord High, De Anza High (Richmond), Las Lomas High (Walnut Creek), Liberty High (Brentwood)
- June 15-June 19: Dougherty Valley High (San Ramon), Edna Hill Middle (Brentwood), Pinole Valley High (Pinole), Pittsburg High, Ygnacio Valley High (Concord)
- June 22-June 26: Acalanes High (Lafayette), Dallas Ranch Middle (Antioch), Freedom High (Oakley)**, San Ramon Valley (Danville), Mt. Diablo High (Concord), Kennedy High (Richmond)
- June 29-July 3: De Anza High (Richmond), California High (San Ramon), Las Lomas High (Walnut Creek), Liberty High (Brentwood)
- July 6-10: Dougherty Valley High (San Ramon)
** No clinic at Freedom High on 6/5 or 6/26
Patients younger than 18 do require consent from a parent or guardian to get vaccinated. Information about required school vaccinations, such as Tdap, will also be available at the clinics.
CCHS and Kaiser Permanente are working with host campuses to prevent conflicts with on-site education or graduation ceremonies.
“To make every school as safe as possible from COVID-19, it is critical that our campus communities have easy access to vaccine and health information,” said Lynn Mackey, Contra Costa County’s Superintendent of Schools. “Every student who receives a vaccine is a hero, who protects not only themselves, but their family, teachers and friends.”
Kaiser Permanente and many other community healthcare providers also provide COVID-19 at locations across Contra Costa – members can visit kp.org/covidvaccine for more information about how to get a vaccination appointment at local Kaiser Permanente facilities.
More information about coronavirus and vaccine is available at cchealth.org/coronavirus and, for Kaiser Permanente members, at kp.org/covidvaccine.
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update, May 13, 2021
➡ Children Ages 12-15 Now Eligible For Covid-19 Vaccination in Contra Costa County
➡ Free COVID-19 Vaccines Coming to Local School Campuses
➡ All County-run Vaccine Sites Now Accepting Walk-ins Without Appointments
➡ Free Rides are Available to COVID 19 Vaccine Sites Through Uber and Lyft
➡ Contra Costa Will Follow the State’s Mask Guidance
➡ Do You Still Have Questions About the Safety of the Vaccine?
School Campus Vaccine Clinics Schedule
Children ages 12-15 now eligible for vaccination in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County Media Release Posted May 13, 2021
Children between the ages of 12-15 can now get Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine at all county-run clinics.
The County is expanding eligibility after the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommended Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for use in this younger age group. Previously, the Pfizer vaccine was only approved for people ages 16 and older.
“This is a big day for parents and kids who have been eager to get vaccinated against COVID,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “We are looking forward to many households in Contra Costa County where all the adults and children are fully vaccinated.”
The County has already begun working with the Contra Costa County Office of Education, local school districts and Kaiser Permanente to host vaccination clinics at various middle schools and high schools in the coming weeks. Details will be announced in the next few days.
“Every student who receives a vaccine is a hero, who protects themselves, and their family, teachers and friends,” said Lynn Mackey, Contra Costa County’s Superintendent of Schools. “We appreciate the school superintendents and principals across the county who are stepping up to host vaccine clinics on their campuses. Easy access matters to high vaccine rates and to healthy communities.”
Nearly 700,000 county residents ages 16+ have received at least one dose of vaccine already. About 65,000 residents in Contra Costa fall between ages 12-15.
Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for use by those who are ages 12-17. The other two COVID vaccines in the United States made by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are still only available to people ages 18 and older.
Contra Costa County will provide vaccine to any eligible person regardless of whether they are a county resident or not. No appointment is needed, although people can still schedule one if they prefer by going to covidvaccine.cchealth.org or by calling 833-829-2626. The state also offers appointments at myturn.ca.gov.
When coming to our vaccination clinics, we recommend that minors be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If a parent or guardian cannot be present, we ask for written consent or, when that is not feasible, we may accept verbal consent over the phone. A consent form is available at cchealth.org.
Contra Costa Now Offering No-Appointment Service at All its COVID Vaccination Sites
Posted May 7, 2021
People can now get a COVID vaccine at all county-run vaccination sites with or without an appointment.
Vaccination is available to everyone ages 16 and older regardless of whether they live in Contra Costa County or not. People can also choose whether they want a one-dose or two-dose vaccine at county sites.
“We are doing everything we can to remove barriers and make it as convenient and easy as possible for people to get vaccinated,” said Supervisor Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “Vaccines don’t just protect your health – they give peace of mind and let us be with our friend and families without worrying.”
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) runs more than a dozen vaccination clinic sites across the county, including many with convenient weekend and evening hours. People who prefer to book an appointment in advance can do so at covidvaccine.cchealth.org or call 833-829-2626.
More than 70% of the eligible population in Contra Costa County has gotten at least one dose of vaccine – already surpassing President Biden’s July 4 vaccination goal for the country.
“We’ve made great progress, but we still have more work to do. I strongly urge everyone to get vaccinated so we can finish the job and end the pandemic,” Burgis said
To see the most recent COVID vaccination statistics in Contra Costa, visit our online dashboard.
Contra Costa Now Offering COVID Vaccines to Everyone No Matter Where They Live
With COVID-vaccine supply now plentiful, Contra Costa County will now vaccinate everyone at its clinics regardless of whether they live or work in the County or not.
Contra Costa will offer vaccine to people ages 16+ from other parts of Bay Area, California and even those from elsewhere in the United States.
“We’ve always said that this virus doesn’t recognize borders. Now we can say that Contra Costa County no longer cares about borders when it comes to getting people vaccinated against COVID,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, the County’s health officer. “To end the pandemic, we need to vaccinate as many people as possible – not just people from Contra Costa, but from all over.”
Opening vaccination to everyone won’t affect Contra Costa residents’ ability to get vaccinated themselves. The move comes at a new point in the vaccine rollout where supply is exceeding demand. In the past two weeks, appointments at the County’s vaccine sites have begun to go unfilled.
People can schedule vaccine appointments online or by calling 833-829-2626. They can also visit one of our walk-in clinics without an appointment. To see the latest local vaccination statistics, visit our online vaccine dashboard.
Walk-In Vaccinations and a new mobile vaccination service for residents who are homebound
Contra Costa County Residents Ages 16+ Can Now Book Vaccine Appointments at the Oakland Coliseum
Posted Saturday, April 10, 2021 >>
Contra Costa residents ages 16 and older can now book appointments at the Oakland Coliseum at myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. The County worked with the State to update its MyTurn website so it reflects Contra Costa’s vaccine eligibility criteria. Previously, Contra Costa residents had to be 50 and older to schedule appointments at the Coliseum vaccination site.
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update, Thursday, April 1, 2021
Read articles here: https://myemail.constantcontact.com/April-1-Weekly-Update.html?soid=1110465271384&aid=ByAPU-o7bi8
➡ Contra Costa Opens Eligibility to those 16+, Everyone is Encouraged to Request Appointments Now
➡ Options for Scheduling Your Vaccine Appointment
➡ COVID-19 Drive-Through Vaccination Clinic Opens in Concord
➡ COVID-19 Vaccine Safety: Facts & Myths
Contra Costa Opens Eligibility to those 16+
Everyone is Encouraged to Request Appointments Now
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) encourages everyone who lives or works in the county age 16 or older to request an appointment to receive a COVID-16 vaccine.
Contra Costa County Health Director Anna Roth announced to the Board of Supervisors today that an increased vaccine supply from the state and federal governments means there is capacity to open eligibility to people in the 16-49 age range. CCHS currently has thousands of appointments available at its community clinics this week.
Recently, Contra Costa County began receiving additional vaccine supply from the U.S. government for its numerous federally-qualified health centers. This week, the County has received 84,500 total doses of vaccine from the state and federal governments – 30,000 more than just the week before.
The move will expand eligibility to another 375,000 county residents who have not yet been vaccinated. The County will continue to prioritize giving appointments to those living in low-income areas hardest hit by COVID. It is also planning to begin accepting walk-ins at the Richmond Auditorium and Bay Point Health Center with additional locations coming online in the near future.
Going forward, Contra Costa County will no longer refer to eligibility phases or tiers in determining who gets the vaccine. Doses are available to anyone for whom the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of vaccine.
“Since we gave the first dose in our county on Dec. 15, getting vaccine to everyone and anyone has been our top priority,” said Anna Roth, Contra Costa County Health Director. “Removing barriers of all kinds, including confusing eligibility criteria is an important step in furthering our equity goals. This is an important day.”
CCHS is taking additional steps to eliminate equity barriers, including:
– soon eliminating a complicated registration form used to determine eligibility,
– piloting walk-in clinics that eliminate the need for advance appointments,
– continued prioritization of appointments for people who live in communities in the lowest quartile of the California Healthy Places Index,
– prioritizing those at highest risk of severe illness and death because of age,
– increasing capacity at mobile clinics by as much as four-fold at some locations.
Appointments for those age 16-64 are only available through CCHS and cannot be booked using the state’s My Turn portal until the state announces vaccine eligibility to this age category. Please register online at cchealth.org/coronavirus or by calling 1-833-VAX-COCO (1-833-829-2626).
“Governor Gavin Newsom announced last week that his goal was to move the state quickly through the eligibility tiers,” said Roth. “We agree and applaud this goal. We have appointments to fill. By expanding eligibility now, we can ensure that no appointments go unused.”
CCHS does anticipate a sharp rise in requests with this additional eligibility, and long delays are likely on the appointment request phone line. Anyone who is able to do so is encouraged to use the online request form instead of phoning – it will save you time.
People who live in Contra Costa communities that are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including communities of color, are especially encouraged to request an appointment today.
Try the Help Your Neighbor page for tips to help you assist a friend or loved one through the appointment request process, especially if they have a hard time using the internet or smartphones.
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) encourages anyone who is currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in the county, but delaying their appointment to avoid the rush, to request their shot TODAY.
Mass Vaccination Site Beginning March 30th
Appointments Required
Excerpt from Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update, Thursday, March 25, 2021 >>
Contra Costa Health Services, the City of Concord, and Kaiser Permanente will open a drive-through vaccination site that can accommodate as many as 15,000 patients weekly beginning Tuesday, March 30, at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (formerly Water World), in Concord.
The site will ramp-up to full capacity over the coming weeks.
Kaiser, which serves more Contra Costa residents than any other healthcare provider, will provide clinical staff and vaccine from the supply it receives directly from the state to support the operation.
The U.S. National Guard will provide medical staff to support a Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) clinic at the site that will daily vaccinate as many as 1,000 eligible people who live or work in Contra Costa.
Appointments for the CCHS clinic will be scheduled through the county’s appointment system – visit cchealth.org/coronavirus to request an appointment.
Appointments will be required to get a vaccine at the site. Read more here.
Contra Costa Health Services is now open for vaccination appointments to residents 50+.
Posted March 22, 2021, 9am, via Twitter @AndersenCandace
Contra Costa Health to Expand Vaccine Eligibility to Residents Ages 50+ Next Week
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update, Thursday, March 18, 2021
Thanks to supplemental vaccine allocations from the federal government, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) expects to expand eligibility to all county residents aged 50+ (even if they don’t have underlying health conditions) early next week. They will be sending out a press release with the date of eligibility. At that point, those 50+ can request an appointment here.
More groups of Californians will become eligible for vaccine on Monday, March 15
Friday, March 12, 2021 Contra Costa County Health Media Release
More groups of Californians will become eligible for vaccine on Monday, March 15, including public transit workers, people in congregate living situations and people who have health conditions that put them at high risk of serious illness from a COVID-19 infection. Visit covid19.ca.gov for more information.
Update on Covid-19 Vaccinations
Have You Been Fully Vaccinated?
Scheduling Your Vaccine Appointment
Everything You Need To Know About How to Get the Covid-19 Vaccination
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s March 5, 2021 Weekly Update >>
Contra Costa Extends COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility to Essential Workers
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s February 18, 2021 Weekly Update >>
Teachers, grocery workers and other frontline essential workers who live in Contra Costa County can now sign up to receive safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to them.
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) today updated its eligibility policy for COVID-19 vaccine to extend vaccination eligibility to residents who work in the education and childcare sector, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers as defined by Phase 1B of California’s vaccination plan.
“We are committed to protecting all of our educators by ensuring they can access the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. “It is critical that we prioritize the health and well-being of all the essential workers who have cared for us and our families throughout the pandemic.”
Residents in these groups, as well as county residents who are 65 years and older who have not yet been vaccinated, can sign up to access state and federal sites through MyTurn (myturn.ca.gov) or by calling 1-833-422-4255.
Essential workers and residents 65 years and older can also request immunization appointments through CCHS and join the county waiting list for COVID-19 vaccine. However, due to a temporary reduction in vaccine supply from the state, all appointments at county sites are filled through the next two weeks at least.
People who need to cancel an existing appointment or who received a first dose of vaccine through CCHS and need to make a second-dose appointment should call 1-833-829-2626.
When more appointments do become available, CCHS will continue to prioritize county residents who are 65 or older as well as eligible essential workers, particularly those who live or work in the local communities most heavily affected by the pandemic.
CCHS continues to move forward with a workplace-based outreach effort to immunize essential workers in high-risk jobs in the county’s hardest-hit communities, including food and agriculture workers. Workers at sites selected for the program will be contacted by their employers.
For more information about Contra Costa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic including information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and appointments, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.
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Vaccine availability is increasing here in the East Bay.
Here are additional updates on vaccine distribution in our counties and by healthcare providers:
Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County residents 65 and older, along with healthcare workers who have not yet been vaccinated, can request vaccine appointment by filling out this online form. You don’t need to have health insurance. After submitting the form, you will be notified with an appointment date and time for one of the county-run sites, including one in Richmond.
Alameda County
Alameda County is now scheduling appointments at two county-run sites for county residents 65 and older and essential workers in education and childcare, emergency services, and agriculture and food industries, along with healthcare workers who have not yet been vaccinated. Sign up to get an appointment on the online registry system. And, no need for insurance to get a vaccine.
Berkeley
City of Berkeley’s Health Department is operating a mass vaccination site at the foot of Buchanan Street in Albany near Golden Gate Fields. Appointments are for people 65 and older and those who live or work in Berkeley who are currently employed in grocery stores, convenience stores, or in-person education and childcare settings. Click here for updates on how to make an appointment.
Kaiser
◾ Vaccinating Kaiser members 75 and older, health care workers, and long-term care patients and staff
◾ Sign in online to check vaccine status or schedule an appointment
Sutter
◾ Sutter patients 65 and older can go online, log in to My Health Online, or call 844-987-6115 to schedule a vaccine appointment
John Muir Health
◾ John Muir Health will contact its patients via MyChart message, email, text message or phone call to schedule an appointment, currently vaccinating age 65 and older. Patients encouraged to sign up for a MyChart account by visiting the MyChart sign up information page.
Community Clinics
◾ Native American Health Center is vaccinating patients and community members 65 years old and older.
◾ Lifelong is reaching out to patients who are 1) over age 65 or 2) IHSS (In-Home Support Services) workers or 3) food and agricultural workers with instructions for making an appointment. If you are a registered patient of LifeLong and have not been contacted, please contact your health center.
◾ Asian Health Services is providing vaccine appointments to AHS patients 65 years and older or are IHSS workers. Patients can sign up for vaccine wait list here.
◾ La Clínica is vaccinating patients who are IHSS workers, caregivers of people with disabilities, or 65 and older. Eligible patients are being contacted by phone or can call their La Clínica provider to request an appointment.
◾ West Oakland Health Center is vaccinating patients 65 and older.
CVS and Rite Aid
Select CVS and Rite Aid pharmacy locations are also accepting appointments for vaccines. For CVS, go here, and for Rite Aid, click here.
Mobile Clinics
FEMA is also dispatching mobile vaccine clinics throughout the East Bay, particularly to communities that have been hit hardest by COVID and are under-served by our healthcare system. I’ll send out more information about the mobile clinics when it becomes available.
Please continue to be safe – wear a mask and social distance – even after you’ve been vaccinated, because we don’t know yet whether people who have been vaccinated can still spread the disease.
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Where and When You Can Get Vaccinated
Supervisor Candace Andersen’s February 18, 2021 Weekly Update >>
Visit the Contra Costa County Health Services Distribution Phases page to see if you are in an eligible tier. This page is updated regularly as more groups are added to the eligibility list. If you are eligible, there are several options for getting vaccinated. To find out where, and which location works best for you, go to get vaccinated.
Beginning March 15th, all first dose appointments will be made through the State run portal MyTurn.ca.gov. Anyone who has not received a first dose of the vaccine should register at MyTurn and you will be notified when you are eligible.
Please do not visit a clinic unless you have an appointment. CCHS has a process for providing leftover or unanticipated doses of vaccine to residents who have requested appointments. Visit our distribution phases for information about eligibility and the chart below for how to request an appointment.
Also providing vaccinations is the State-operated OptumServe Clinic in Walnut Creek. The clinic is only scheduling appointments for those 65 or older, but is open to all Contra Costa County residents. It is located at Tice Valley Community Gym, 2055 Tice Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek. The hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. To schedule an appointment: click here, or call 844-421-0804. This clinic will be soon taking appointment reservations through the State portal MyTurn.
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CVS Pharmacy will begin inoculating those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine starting Friday, 2/12.
This is the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine which requires 2 injections – 28 days apart. People can book an appointment for their second dose at the same time they book their first shot.
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Supervisor Candace Andersen’s Weekly Update – February 5, 2021
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Contra Costa County residents age 65 & older can request a COVID-19 vaccine appointment
Contra Costa County residents age 65 & older can request a COVID-19 vaccine appointment online at bit.ly/39mfLw6 or by calling 1-833-829-2626 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Check in with your loved ones to see if they need help signing up.
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New Vaccine Dashboard on CCHealth.org
Contra Costa County Health Services has developed a new Live Vaccine Dashboard on CCHealth.org with charts that show the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered to residents of Contra Costa County by day, which dose was administered, vaccines administered based on city of residence, and other key data points.
See Coronavirus.cchealth.org/vaccine-dashboard.
Information and updates about COVID-19 vaccine (but not appointments) are available at 1-844-729-8410 or cchealth.org/coronavirus
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Contra Costa County Plans to Administer 1 Million COVID-19 Vaccines by July
CCHS Press Release: January 22, 2021
Reflecting the countywide commitment to protect all Contra Costa residents from COVID-19, Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) today announced a new goal for the county and its healthcare partners: Deliver 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine by Independence Day.
“There is no higher priority in Contra Costa County than delivering COVID-19 vaccine to as many eligible residents as possible, as quickly as possible,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “We believe this is a realistic goal, provided our supply of vaccine increases.”
The county’s announcement follows a promise yesterday from new President Joe Biden to administer 100 million doses during the first 100 days of his administration.
“Together with our partners in the community, from large health systems to independent doctor’s offices to supermarket pharmacies, we are building the infrastructure to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of county residents, quickly and safely,” said Anna Roth, director of Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS). “When doses arrive, they do not sit in freezers. They go straight to the public.”
Contra Costa went from providing zero doses to more than 5,800 per day during the first month that COVID-19 vaccine became available, and the daily average continues to climb as community health providers offer more shots to patients and members, and as CCHS opens more county-operated community immunization sites.
If the state can supply enough vaccine, CCHS and our partners together will soon have capacity to provide up to 9,000 doses of vaccine daily. With anticipated contributions from other health systems in the community, Contra Costa could achieve its million-dose goal by July 4.
This week, CCHS also launched its new vaccine-appointment phone line – 1-833-VAX-COCO (1-833-829-2626). Now, those who are unable to schedule vaccine appointments online can call us and book an appointment Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Eligible residents seeking appointments are encouraged to use the online form unless they do not have internet access or have difficulty using the online form.
Other local resources, including links to other healthcare providers in the community now offering vaccine, are available at coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-vaccinated.
CCHS also has a new data dashboard on its COIVD-19 web page, cchealth.org/coronavirus, that provides daily updates for the county’s vaccination campaign. More than 65,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered so far in the county.
In addition to the first wave of vaccine recipients, which included healthcare and emergency workers and people who live or work in residential care facilities, all county residents 65 and older can now request an immunization appointment through CCHS.
Appointments with CCHS are not first come, first served. Every day we prioritize appointments for people who are in the highest risk categories, according to state and federal guidelines, especially people who are 75 or older.
Appointments for other eligible residents can vary according to several factors, including age, underlying health concerns, how close they live to a vaccination site where an appointment is available, and whether they live in a neighborhood or community that is especially impacted by COVID-19. Because vaccine is scarce, the reality is that it may take weeks for some eligible residents to get a vaccine.
As more private health systems serving Contra Costa expand capacity to serve their members and patients, more county residents will hear from their own healthcare providers about how and when they can access COVID-19 vaccine.
Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus for local information about the COVID-19 pandemic and Contra Costa’s immunization campaign.
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Contra Costa County residents who are 65 years & older can now sign up to get vaccinated
Contra Costa Health Services – Weekly Update, Jan. 15, 2021
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) has expanded eligibility for the Covid vaccine to include residents aged 65 and older (part of Phase 1B/Tier 1 group). Eligible people who live and work in Contra Costa, can request a vaccination appointment online with the County. At this point, they will only be booking appointments online. A toll-free appointment call center will be available starting on Tuesday. If you are currently eligible, request an appointment HERE.
Schedule an appointment online at bit.ly/35zpGw8. We will also have a telephone call center available soon. For more info about COVID-19 vaccines, go to cchealth.org/coronavirus.
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Contra Costa County Residents Aged 65 and Older Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine
City of Lafayette Weekly Roundup, Jan. 15, 2021
Contra Costa Health Services has expanded eligibility for the vaccine to include residents aged 65 and older, who are now part of Phase 1B/Tier 1 group. Frontline essential workers in Phase 1B/Tier 1 will come online soon. CCHS wants people to eventually receive the vaccine from their own healthcare provider (Kaiser, Sutter, John Muir, etc.), but as those systems ramp up, CCHS will vaccinate all who are currently eligible. Once other systems are on board, Health Services can refer outstanding appointments to the appropriate system to get them into the soonest appointment.
Residents 65 and older, as well as other eligible people who live and work in Contra Costa, can request a vaccination appointment online with the County (see links below). After you submit the form, Health Services staff will review your request. If you are approved, you will receive instructions on how to schedule a vaccination appointment using the MyChart website. Please note that demand for the vaccine is high but supplies are limited right now. This means there is a limited number of appointments available. Here are key links to the County’s vaccination program:
- Schedule an Appointment Online (Residents 65+)
- Contra Costa Vaccine Distribution Phases
- Contra Costa Vaccine Information
- Contra Costa County Vaccine FAQ
- CCHS Press Release on Vaccine Distribution
You can find out the latest COVID-19 information and review general COVID resources on the City of Lafayette’s COVID-19 page by following this link: https://bit.ly/LafayetteCOVID-19Resources.
Editor’s note: You may have seen news reports about a vaccine site for seniors opening this weekend at Stanley Middle School. This is being put on by a private practice and is full. Please use the above link to schedule a vaccination appointment through the County if you are 65 or older.
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