Vaccine Distribution Update in the North Bay

Dear Friend,

Since California began distributing COVID-19 vaccines in December, a total of 2,007,600 vaccine doses have been shipped to local health departments and health care systems. These have been administered to healthcare workers and long-term care residents and staff.  I am hearing concerns about vaccine distribution, how quickly we can vaccinate everyone who wants one, and whether enough vaccines are available. Unfortunately, it will take time and patience. Here is information to keep you informed and to maintain transparency about COVID-19 vaccines for our community.

As of this week, Sonoma County had received 14,650 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and administered more than 7,445 doses. In Marin County, a total of 11,000 vaccines have been received, and expect to have less than 100 doses left by the end of the week. Sonoma and Marin counties continue to follow vaccine prioritization guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

This week, CDPH expanded vaccine prioritization guidelines to include community healthcare workers, public health field staff, primary care clinics, specialty clinics, laboratory workers, dental clinics, and pharmacy staff, in an effort to speed up vaccine distribution and prevent wasting excess doses. Counties are currently administering the vaccine to all eligible recipients under Phase 1a.

After healthcare workers and long-term care residents, the next to be vaccinated in Phase 1b and 1c will include individuals who:

• Have a higher risk for severe disease or death (due to age or other factors).
• Are unable to work at home.
• Live or work in geographic areas that have been highly impacted.
• Are most likely to spread the disease to other workers or to the public.

Sonoma and Marin Counties plan to move to Phase 1b over the next few weeks. Visit the COVID-19 vaccine website for more information on CDPH’s prioritization guidelines.

If you are a healthcare worker, contact your employer. If you are a Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF) resident, contact your caretaker. In many parts of the state, CVS and Walgreens pharmacies will administer the vaccines to residents in long-term care and staff.

More information about COVID-19, vaccine distribution, and state and local response can be found on the CDPH, Sonoma County, and Marin County websites.

The CA Community Vaccine Advisory Committee continues to provide input and feedback to CDPH for the ongoing planning and engagement efforts to ensure equitable vaccine distribution and allocation. The Committee meetings are conducted virtually and open to the public. Their next meeting will be on Jan. 20, 2021, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. For more information about the committee and future meetings, please visit the Community Vaccine Advisory Committee website.

Your Actions Save Lives

Bay Area public health officials expect the region’s Stay Home Order to be extended indefinitely due to significant increases in COVID-19 cases and deaths. We each need to do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Prevention continues to be the best way to protect yourself, your family, your friends, and our community. Continue to follow these preventive measures:

• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle, or body aches), call your healthcare provider.
• If you believe you have been exposed, get tested. Free, confidential testing is available statewide.
• Stay home except for essential activities and follow local public health guidance.
• Keep interactions limited to people who live in your household.
• Wear a cloth face mask when out in public.
• Avoid non-essential travel and stay close to home; self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival if you leave the state.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home from work, school, or other people if you feel ill.
• Add your phone to the fight by signing up for COVID-19 exposure notifications from CA Notify.
• Answer the call if a contact tracer from the CA COVID Team or local health department tries to connect.

My staff and I continue to work around the clock to ensure that residents across the North Bay receive the support and services needed. If I can be of assistance, please contact me by email at assemblymember.levine@assembly.ca.gov or by phone at (707) 576-2631 or (415) 479-4920.

Sincerely,

MARC LEVINE

Please feel free to visit my website or contact me on social media.