Partners in Lifelong Support Since 1966
Links:

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates About Accepted Documentation, plus Other Info and Tips


We're sharing reports from family members regarding accepted documentation, plus getting an appointment, including tips.

Reports from Family Members Regarding Regional Center Documentation

Last week, we, and several other regional centers, developed a letter in response to family requests for a letter from their regional center. You may recall that the letter on regional center letterhead allowed you to insert the name of the individual family member/caregiver.

Please do not use the letter on regional center letterhead as documentation for your vaccination appointment. Late last Friday, we were told that the Department of Public Health would not accept this letter.

Please continue to use the following for your vaccination appointments. Some locations look carefully at this documentation, and some do not:

  • This letter from the Department of Developmental Services regarding expansion of vaccination phase 1A for healthcare worker to include family members caring for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Proof of your appointment.
  • Your ID showing your name and address.
  • A copy of your regional center Individual Program Plan (IPP).

We are in communication with the Department of Public Health regarding some cases of families that were not allowed to proceed with vaccination due to misunderstanding by some LA County staff regarding eligibility of family member caregivers. The Department of Developmental Services and the LA County Department of Public Health are now aware of this issue and are trying to resolve it as soon as possible.

Regional centers do not have control over the distribution of vaccines, but we continue to stay in close communication with our local and state public health departments. We want to provide you with the most timely information we receive from the County and the State.

As this time, our clients with developmental disabilities themselves are not in an eligible tier to receive the vaccine, unless they are age 65 or older, or work in a healthcare worker category. We continue to work with our statewide agency and other advocates to add them to currently eligible categories.

How Can We Get an Appointment?? All the Slots are Taken!!

Unfortunately, everyone who is in one of the currently expanded eligible categories, (including Lanterman family members, service providers and staff), is experiencing challenges in finding available appointments right now due to the recent expansions of eligible persons. We are very pleased to hear from some of you that you have successfully obtained your first dose.

Here are some tips that have been offered

  • Contact your health care plan to see if they are offering vaccinations. Some are. (We're hearing from Kaiser members that they have been able to get appointments there pretty quickly.)
  • Get regular updates by entering your e-mail address at the VaccinateLACounty.com website to sign up for vaccine e-mail alerts.
  • Check back on the website or call center several times a day, because new slots are made available if there are cancellations or if more vaccine is scheduled to arrive.

From the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: "Vaccine supply is still extremely limited. While we are continuing to work with our state partners to improve the functionality of the website, we ask for the public’s patience as we build capacity and supply. We may add additional appointments later this week and additional slots may open if people cancel their appointments. We're increasing capacity in our call center, starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, to assist those without computer access. Residents can call 833.540.0473 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., 7 days a week."