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Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: January Riddle, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Irvin Jim, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith Sunday January 3, 2021 Alpine County, Let’s Stick It To COVID-19: Vaccine Update As we begin the new year 2021, we have reason to be cautiously optimistic about our future. In the midst of the current crisis unfolding around us, our focus is shifting from emphasis on testing, case investigation and contact tracing, to vaccinating as many persons in high-risk categories as our allocated supply will allow. High- risk is defined on the basis of occupation, age, or presence of underlying medical conditions. As you can see from the accompanying chart, we have been vaccinating those who serve us, and by doing so, put themselves at risk for exposure to infection. They deserve our thanks for risking their health during this pandemic. We are following the guidance of both the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). In addition, we have made minor adjustments based on factors unique to Alpine County. As we near completion of this Phase 1a, we are ready to begin offering vaccine to persons in Phase 1b in the coming days. Please read the following instructions carefully to see where you fit into the plans for these next few weeks. Hung-A-Lel-Ti Community: According to Dr. Bela Toth, the staff at the Washoe Tribal Health Center (WTHC) has been vaccinating health care workers and is now ready to begin reaching out to those elders age 75 years and older residing in the Hung-A-Lel-Ti community. He asks that eligible persons begin calling the center this Tuesday January 5th for information. He notes that the WTHC will also be utilizing a mobile van to reach out to residents who lack transportation resources or who would have difficulty getting to the clinic to be Public Health Brief Richard O. Johnson, M.D., MPH Nichole Williamson Public Health Officer HHS Director Office: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 249 Office: [PHONE REDACTED] e-mail: [EMAIL REDACTED] 24/7/365 Emergency Contact Number Dispatch: [PHONE REDACTED], Ext 330 Warm Line: [PHONE REDACTED] ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: January Riddle, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Irvin Jim, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith vaccinated. As additional vaccine becomes available, the WTHC will reach out to additional eligible groups to receive vaccine. The phone number is [PHONE REDACTED], and the Web site is Washoe Tribal Health Center. Bear Valley: The Alpine County Health Department (ACHD) has formed a vaccination team in the Bear Valley community and completed a first round of vaccinations for public safety personnel. The next step is to reach out to those in Phase 1b. Since the vaccine is supplied in 10 dose vials that need to be used within 6 hours once the vial is punctured, we need groups of 10 at any given time to efficiently use a vial and prevent wastage. If you see yourself in phase 1b, please call the Health Department at [PHONE REDACTED] and talk to Jessica, Monday – Thursday, after 8:30 AM. She will coordinate with staff in putting together groups of 10, and we will then supply vaccine to staff in Bear Valley. Someone will be in contact with you to get scheduled. Kirkwood: The ACHD has formed Mobile Strike Teams which will begin to reach out to the Kirkwood community this week. First on the list are those first responders who handle 911 medical calls. Names have been provided by Chief Ansel. We anticipate scheduling this first group of 10 sometime this week. For anyone in Phase 1b, please call Jessica as described above for Bear Valley, and we will begin the process of scheduling future visits by the Strike Team. Woodfords: The ACHD is ready to begin scheduling appointments for anyone in Phase 1b. Vaccination is only by appointment. We ask that you call Jessica after 8:30 AM Monday through Thursday to schedule your appointment. Note: The WTHC has been allocated the Pfizer vaccine, and the ACHD allocated the Moderna vaccine. They are the same in terms of safety and effectiveness, approaching 95% within 2 weeks of the second dose. Both are 2 dose regimens, the second dose of Pfizer given after 21 days, and the Moderna after 28 days. Phase 1b includes anyone 75 years of age and older, and anyone 65-74 years of age with underlying medical conditions. Please refer to the chart for more details on other groups who are eligible in this Phase 1b. In all cases, you will receive a Fact Sheet upon arrival, and be required to fill out a Screening Questionnaire, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Once you receive the vaccine, you will be required to spend an additional 15 minutes with us to observe for any side effects. Requirements: - You must live or work in Alpine County. Second homeowners must bring proof of residency (utility bill). - If a member of your household is eligible, you may be eligible also. Call for details. - You must be at least 18 years of age to receive vaccine from the Health Department, 16 years of age or older from the WTHC. For all questions other than appointments, please call the Warm Line at [PHONE REDACTED]. For more information, go to: Vaccines - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response (ca.gov) COVID-19 Vaccines I CDC ---PAGE BREAK--- Alpine County Health Department, 75-B Diamond Valley Rd., Markleeville, CA 96120 Alpine County Board of Supervisors, Phone: (530) 694-2281 District 1: January Riddle, District 2: Ron Hames, District 3: Irvin Jim, District 4: Terry Woodrow, District 5: David Griffith