COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization “Health Care Worker” in Regional Centers
TO: Community
FROM: Anthony Hill, M.A. J.D. Esq., Executive Director
Dear San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center (SG/PRC) Community,
We are pleased to announce that we have had discussions with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Officials regarding its COVID-19 vaccine prioritization phases. SG/PRC residential Service Providers, and individuals served living in those settings are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations through the Pharmacy Partnership Program. Our Nurse Advocates are supporting individuals served that live in these settings through review of their medical history to detect whether preexisting conditions might create health complications should the vaccine be administered. Additionally, our Nurse Advocates are providing consent for agreement for health care treatment as my designee when needed.
Currently, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s (LACDPH) vaccine prioritization model is within Phase 1A Tier (2), where “ Health Care Workers” in regional centers are included. Phase 1A Tier (2) is an occupation-based designation. In that, if you are a “Health Care Worker”, you are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations effective January 11, 2021 moving forward. Keep in mind, LACDPH’s vaccination prioritization model that guides us is designed and implemented by LACDPH and is within its authority to do so. Rest assured, we are currently advocating that their prioritization structure creates space for flexibility. Specifically, we are recommending that they move individuals served and their families members into the highest non-occupation-based priority designation and that family member caregivers are included within “Health Care Workers.”
Accordingly, all non-residential vendors not limited to, but including, Participant Directed Services, Respite Agencies, Parents’ Place, Nursing Agencies, Early Intervention Specialists, Psychologists, Doctors, Therapy Services, Self-Determination (FMS), Supported Living Services, Independent Living Services and regional center staff are designated “Health Care Workers.”
As intended to facilitate the verification procedure for vaccine eligibility, SG/PRC has developed a letter under the SG/PRC letterhead for all non-residential Service Providers. If you need this letter, please contact Ms. Lucina Galarza, Community Services Director. As we agreed during our conversations with local public health officials, we are requesting that all non-residential Service Providers submit an estimated amount of vaccines that are needed to email hs30day@sgprc.org.
We have been advised by LACDPH that the COVID-19 vaccine is now available for non-residential Service Providers and their staff. An appointment must be arranged to receive the vaccine at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/vaccine/hcwsignup
- Be prepared to present the following documents during your appointment:
Employee ID card with photo or valid photo identification, e.g. California ID or Driver’s License - A copy of your regional center letter (it may be printed or displayed digitally on a phone, tablet, etc.)
- Proof of employment:
- Pay stub, employee ID, business card with employee name, or similar OR
- Employment verification letter from employer that is on letterhead and includes the employee’s name.
We will do our very best to keep all of you informed. Changes in public health policy and guidance are occurring at a rapid pace. If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact us at hs30day@sgprc.org. Meeting your needs are important to us. Please stay safe and remain well.
Best regards,
Anthony Hill, M.A. J.D. Esq.
Executive Director
San Gabriel/Pomona Regional Center
COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization “Health Care Worker” in Regional Centers (PDF)