5 Things To Know About Getting Vaccinated In California
The coronavirus vaccines arrived in California, and after months of planning, residents across the state are asking how to get vaccinated.
As California lurches through its phased system for vaccinations, starting with emergency first responders and medical professionals, Gov. Gavin Newsom alerted all counties in California Wednesday that those over 65-years-old can now register for the coronavirus vaccine. Unfortunately, just because you've registered doesn't mean you'll be able to make an appointment for a vaccination just yet.
Appointments are only released based upon the number of vaccine doses available.
Though the state of California has said they "expect to have enough supplies to vaccinate most Californians in all 58 counties by summer 2021," getting that done is proving to be a debacle in some areas.
Patch is studying this fast-changing subject. Here are five things we know about the coronavirus vaccination process as of Friday.
1. Where do I register for vaccination in my city or county?
Each California county, and in some cases city, will handle its own vaccination distributions, according to the California Department of Public Health office.
In Southern California, Los Angeles is only vaccinating emergency responders and health care officials and nursing home residents at this time; Orange County has worked with a medical reservations app to establish vaccination appointments at mass vaccination sites; Riverside County has partnered with specific chain pharmacies (Ralphs, Apple Urgent Care, and Albertson's) in addition to large scale sites at high schools and venues.
For a complete list of all California County Health Care websites, see here.
NOTE: Vaccination appointments are released based upon the number of vaccine doses each county has available to them. If there are no appointments, officials are waiting for more vaccines.
2. Why can't I register for a vaccination appointment?
While it is frustrating for many, the sheer magnitude of residents seeking coronavirus vaccinations is causing certain reservation systems to crash. The process of vaccinating millions is daunting, but local officials have shared with Patch that as more vaccine doses arrive, the easier it will become to get an appointment.
If you have registered for a website at your county's request, "continue trying to log in," Patch has been told. Keep in touch with your physician as well as your area pharmacist, for recommendations on how best to make your appointment.
Your county Health Care website will have information when more doses are released.
3. What happens at a vaccination Point of Distribution site, and what do I need to bring with me?
Patience is the first thing you should bring with you. Each vaccination appointment takes between four and five minutes to accomplish. With thousands vaccinating at Point of Distribution centers in a day, the wait is often long. If you are at a drive-up clinic, be sure you have a full tank of gas, water, and snacks. Be sure to bring your PPE, masks, and remember to social distance while waiting.
4. Should I be concerned about coronavirus variants and getting vaccinated for coronavirus? What are the side effects of the shots?
There are some vaccines like measles, that never change at all. Influenza vaccines tend to change year to year, according to the WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan. The COVID-19 vaccine is believed to be well equipped to protect those vaccinated from the variants. "A couple of changes to the virus should not make the vaccines ineffective."
According to the CDC, the most common side effects are:
Pain, Swelling or Redness in the arm where the shot is administered
Chills
Tiredness
Headache
5. When will I be safe from coronavirus? Are the 2 doses needed?
According to the CDC, depending on the specific vaccine you get, a second shot is mandatory within 3-4 weeks in order to receive the maximum protection against coronavirus.
Once you receive your vaccination, you should receive a card that tells which vaccine you received in the first round of vaccination, whether from Pfizer or Moderna, you will be advised of the approximate date for your booster shot (second dose). At your first appointment, you will either be signed up for a secondary appointment or will be told how and when to register for your booster.
NOTE: You must have the booster for the same brand of vaccine you received in the first round.
After your second booster shot, chances are, you'll be 94.1 percent protected from coronavirus with the Moderna vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is estimated to be 95 percent effective, the CDC website states. The goal, according to Orange County Health Care Agency Chief Medical Officer David Chau, is for "herd immunity."
As the population of residents over the age of 65 has been hardest hit by the virus, getting the elderly protected should ultimately lower the number of hospitalizations and open up Intensive Care Unit beds across the state.
This article originally appeared on the Across California Patch
