COVERING COVID

COVID-19 VACCINES Vaccination is one of the most important tools to end the COVID- 19 pandemic. Orange County is equitably distributing a safe and effective vaccine to everyone seeking vaccination, ages 12 and older, through a variety of distribution locations. To see where vaccines are available, visit https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-vaccinedistribution- channels.

All people who want to receive the COVID-19 vaccine must meet the minimum age requirement and show proof of age at the time of appointment.

COVID-19 VACCINE HOTLINE

The OC COVID-19 Hotline is available to answer questions about vaccine-related issues, including booking appointments, location selection or assistance with transportation.

Live operators are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at (714) 834-2000.

Individuals with medical or developmental conditions who are unable to leave their homes to obtain vaccination in a community setting or clinic can request at-home vaccination by calling the OC COVID-19 Hotline at (714) 834-2000.

COVID-19 TESTING With more social gatherings occurring, COVID-19 testing can help prevent the risk of spread. Plan to get a viral COVID-19 test at least 1-3 days before and 3-5 days after trips, or following exposure or showing symptoms. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest to order an at-home, self-collection testing kit.

BOOSTER SHOTS

With more evidence showing that the immunity offered by coronavirus vaccines diminishes over time, booster shots are now on the way. Government health officials are prescribing a third dose, and officials are working out plans to make shots available this fall/winter for people. Boosters will be given to people who are eight months out from their full vaccination date.

Boosters already are available for the immunocompromised.

According to the CDC, the data behind the booster plan includes studies that found decreasing vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection in people who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna two-dose shots.

MASK REQUIREMENT EXTENDED

Be advised that the Transportation Security Administration has extended its mask requirement for passengers until January. The federal mask mandate requires airline, bus and train passengers to wear face coverings until Jan. 18, 2022.

VACCINE CARDS

At your first vaccination appointment, you received a vaccination card that tells you what COVID-19 vaccine you received, the date you received it and where you received it. This card is proof that you were vaccinated. If you have lost your vaccination card or don’t have a copy, contact your vaccination provider directly to access your vaccination record. Cards will be needed to receive a booster shot when the time comes.

VACCINE VERIFICATION IN OC

Vaccine verification is becoming even more common throughout Orange County following a state mandate last week requiring residents to show proof of vaccinations for indoor events with more than 1,000 people. State public health officials have so far resisted bringing back a mask mandate. Cases began to increase shortly after the statewide reopening, when nearly all pandemic measures were dropped.