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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 Friday February 19, 2021 Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Based on our anticipated supply of vaccine in the weeks to come, we will now be accepting calls to the Warm Line to be interviewed for possible eligibility to receive COVID-19 vaccination for persons age 18 and older with certain chronic medical conditions and their caretakers. To be considered, persons must be full-time residents of Alpine County, and be able to provide documentation. Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Severe illness from COVID-19 is defined as hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death. The list of eligible conditions is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as we obtain and analyze additional data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Note: Everyone 65 years of age and older will still qualify as our highest priority to receive COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine Prioritization (as vaccine supply allows) Individuals age 16-64 who are deemed to be at the very highest risk for morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 as a direct result of one or more of the following severe health conditions will be given highest priority and vaccinated first: • Cancer • Chronic kidney disease • Chronic pulmonary disease • Smoking – current or past • Down • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant 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 • Pregnancy • Sickle cell disease • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies (excludes hypertension) • Obesity (body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 (Adult BMI Calculator I Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity I CDC • Type 2 diabetes mellitus COVID-19 is a new disease. Currently there are limited data and information about the impact of many underlying medical conditions on the risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Based on what we know at this time, adults of any age with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. We will develop a list for eligibility and provide vaccine as our supply allows. • Asthma (moderate-to-severe) • Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain) • Cystic fibrosis • Hypertension or high blood pressure • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines • Neurologic conditions, such as dementia • Liver disease • Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues) • Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder) • Type 1 diabetes mellitus In addition, if one of the following applies, persons will be considered as candidates for vaccination: • Acquiring COVID-19 will limit the individual's ability to receive ongoing care or services vital to their well-being and survival. • Providing adequate and timely COVID care will be particularly challenging as a result of the individual's disability. ---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 • People who have limited mobility or who cannot avoid coming into close contact with others who may be infected, such as direct support providers and family members. • People who have trouble understanding information or practicing preventive measures, such as hand washing and social distancing. • People who may not be able to communicate of illness. Direct Service Providers (DSPs) are also to be considered eligible for vaccination. They include personal care attendants, direct support professionals, paraprofessionals, therapists, IHSS workers, and family members. They provide a wide variety of home and community-based, health-related services that support people with disabilities. Services provided may include personal care, activities of daily living, access to health services, and more. DSPs have close and consistent contact with people with disabilities and those providing healthcare support services in day and residential programs for people with disabilities. DSPs are considered to be in the same general risk category as health care personnel. DSPs are essential for the health and well-being of the people they serve. DSPs should be aware of how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads, risk factors, and prevention actions. To be considered for COVID-19 vaccination, please call our Warm Line at [PHONE REDACTED] Your call will be returned within 24 hours. COVID-19 I Alpine County, CA - Official Website COVID19.CA.GOV Vaccines - Coronavirus COVID-19 Response (ca.gov) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) I CDC