When it comes to getting your Covid-19 vaccine in the state of California, it can often be confusing to parse through all of the different policies and information out there. Whether you’re currently eligible, or just making sure you’re in the loop on all the vaccine news, it’s important to have all your facts straight and ask the right questions. Check out some of the frequently asked questions related to Covid-19 vaccines, and if you need any more insight be sure to contact your local family physician or urgent care clinic for more information.
Who is eligible for a vaccine?
Across California, those first in line to receive the Covid-19 vaccine consisted of healthcare workers and residents of long-term care homes, many of whom have been already been vaccinated. In mid-March, California advanced from Phase 1B which targeted vaccine rollouts for frontline apart from medical staff including those who work in emergency services, teachers, and those who are over the age of 65. The next phase includes individuals who have pre-existing health conditions or who are deemed to be high risk and starting April 1st individuals who are aged 50 or older will be eligible for the vaccine in California. The target for the general population aged 16 or older to receive the vaccine is for the rollout to begin on April 15th.
What are the guidelines in the state of California?
While there are general targets for the rollout state-wide, it’s important to consider that your eligibility may vary in the state of California based on a few different factors. Markers such as age, prior health conditions, occupation, and geographic location can influence when you are eligible for the vaccine. For example, on March 3rd it was announced that neighborhoods that have been heavily impacted by the virus will be prioritized for vaccination. Additionally, there have also been further clarifications around occupations that are considered to be front-line or in higher-risk settings, including transit workers, childcare workers, janitors, and agriculture workers among others. For more information on the vaccine rollout based on occupation or region, make sure to track your eligibility on the California Covid-19 vaccine website.
How can I get a vaccine?
Vaccine distribution and rollout maybe be slightly varied from county to county so it’s also important to stay up to date on how things are working locally. Many counties have set up centralized vaccine distribution, and pharmacies across the state such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid have also begun vaccine distribution at select locations. The state of California has also set up a website where residents can input their contact information to receive notice if they become eligible in their county of residence. There is also the possibility of scheduling appointments through the website if your county is connected. This website is called MyTurn and it’s highly recommended that if you’re looking for a Covid-19 vaccine in California you check it out. If you need additional support, there’s also a telephone hotline run by the state of California at (833) 422-4255.
What are the policies across California?
In order to enhance accountability, the State of California has published its policy development process so that residents know exactly how different phases are developed. The state’s Drafting Guidelines Workgroup is the body that develops the allocation of vaccines and which different groups are prioritized and based on what categories. Additionally, there is also a Community Vaccine Advisory Committee which is composed of representatives from various community groups and agencies including Disability Rights California, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the California Black Health Network, and many others in order to ensure equity in Covid-19 vaccine access.
Vaccine Safety Issues
All of the vaccines that have been approved at both federal and state levels have undergone rigorous trials and testing and have been deemed safe for the majority of the population. The only groups that are being excluded due to the need for further testing are children under the age of 16, pregnant individuals, or those who are allergic to any of the components in the vaccine. While there have been minor side effects recorded, health experts across the country and around the world have deemed the vaccines safe and ready for mass distribution.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
The Covid-19 vaccine is an amazing path towards ensuring that both you and those around you have a reduced risk of both contracting the virus, and in the slim chance that you do contract it, have only moderate or mild symptoms. It is possible that after you receive your vaccine, you might have some mild side effects in the form of tiredness, muscle pain, fever, chills, tiredness, or nausea. These side effects won’t last long, and there are a few ways you can reduce discomfort during this time. Over-the-counter medication such as Advil or an antihistamine can help you reduce stiffness or swelling resulting from the vaccine. Cold compresses and exercising the arm that received the injection might also be helpful, and of course, remember to stay hydrated. Also, keep in mind that it’s not recommended to take any sort of medication as a preventative measure to avoid discomfort from vaccination before you receive your shot.
Questions and Concerns?
There’s lots of different vaccine information out there, so it’s important to make sure that your sources are legitimate. Make sure you’re getting your information from a reliable healthcare practitioner or government site. If you have any questions at all, the best route is to get in touch with your family doctor, your local urgent care clinic, or hop online and check out the websites for the State of California or the CDC. Make sure your information is accurate and approved by reliable health professionals!
If you’re looking for reliable information about the vaccine or a Covid-19 test to help stop any community spread, get in touch with Advanced Urgent Care of Pasadena today. We offer Rapid Antigen, PCR, and Antibody testing, and our friendly and professional staff can support you with any Covid-19 related questions you might have. We even offer services by telehealth if you’d like to connect with a healthcare practitioner from the comfort of your own home. Get in touch with us today and let us support all of your urgent health-related needs.
