Getting the Vaccine When Supplies Remain a Limiting Factor

It should be noted that availability of vaccines remains a global challenge, so while this step does provide our community with a better position for access, supplies remain the major limiting factor. Following are some of the steps and actions that have been taken to facilitate vaccination, but vaccine demand continues to outpace vaccine supply.

Our best advice is to check back on the websites or call centers mentioned below several times a day, because new slots are made available if there are cancellations or if more vaccine is scheduled to arrive.

Following is new information compiled from the last several days, but there is still a lot that we don't know. As we get more details and info we will share that, however, we encourage you, if you haven't already to read the following past bulletins we have sent out to stay informed:

• Public Health Update Clarifying Family Member Caregivers Vaccine Eligibility
   
• Vaccine Town Hall Tomorrow, COVID-19 Vaccine Updates, Other COVID-19 Related Info & Resources & Upcoming Training
   
• List of "Healthcare Workers" Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination Expanded to Include Family Members and Service Providers

5 Point Plan for Vaccination Equity
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has released a five-point “equity plan” noting efforts the state is pursuing to ensure equity in communities including people with disabilities.
Click here to read the plan


DDS Directive About Helping Clients 65 and Older and Their Families Access COVID-19 Vaccines
On February 12, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) issued a Directive to regional centers about helping clients 65 and older and their families access COVID-19 vaccines. Regional centers will be contacting people age 65 and older to determine their vaccination status and assist them in obtaining vaccination when needed.
Click here to read the Directive


COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has websites that tell you who is eligible at this time to receive the vaccine and will let you know when you are eligible to receive the vaccine. Click here and here to see these websites.
 
You can also sign up for a newsletter to receive updates about the vaccine. Sign up for this newsletter
 
If you want to register to be contacted when it is your turn to receive the vaccine, you can register at myturn.ca.gov.


Getting Vaccinated at Your Local Pharmacy or Health Care Provider
Local pharmacies recently began COVID-19 vaccine programs after receiving vaccine directly from the federal government. See the links below for more information.

• CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine   
  Eligible individuals without internet access can call CVS at 800.746.7287 for assistance on scheduling.
• Rite Aid: https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier

You can also contact your health care plan to see if they are offering vaccinations. Some are, including Kaiser.


Getting Vaccinated at CSULA
The state of California is proud to partner with the Biden-Harris Administration to open COVID-19 community vaccination clinics, including one at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA)
(5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, 90032)

Beginning on Tuesday, this site will be able to administer up to 6,000 vaccines a day. The mass vaccination site will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Staff will be at the site to direct traffic and assist with questions and translation. The focus of this vaccination site is to provide equitable access to safe, life-saving vaccines to California communities that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19.

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities has informed us today that the State is putting aside a block of appointments to ensure access and equity for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and *people with developmental and other disabilities. (currently those age 65 and older or in long term care). These appointments will be accessible by a specific access code. This code will change periodically based on demand. We anticipate in the coming days that we may receive the access code about 24 hours before new appointments can be made. We will be disseminating this code via e-mail once we receive it. Click here to sign up to receive our e-mail newsletter for the latest vaccine access info

Beginning yesterday, eligible community members will be able to access vaccination appointment openings at CSULA by:

• Visiting the State’s MyTurn website or calling the State’s toll free hotline at 1.833.422.4255.
• When confirming eligibility, it asks for an “Accessibility Code (optional).”
• Eligible groups include: Healthcare workers, paid caregivers, family caregivers, long-term care and skilled nursing home residents, individuals 65 and older, as well as education and childcare workers, emergency services workers as well as food and agriculture workers. Any person in this category you identify can use the access code. People with developmental and other severe high-risk disabilities or underlying conditions will be eligible on March 15.