California launches COVID-19 vaccines Monday for a new group: those between the ages of 16 and 64 with disabilities or with qualifying health conditions that put them at greater risk for serious illness or death if they become infected.
The state estimates that 4.4 million people fall into this category, but due to limited vaccine supply, not all can be vaccinated immediately.
People with one of the following ten conditions considered “serious” by the state are eligible: cancer; chronic kidney disease of stage 4 or higher; chronic lung disease; Down syndrome; weakened immune system due to solid organ transplantation; pregnancy; sickle cell disease; heart disease, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy (but not hypertension); severe obesity; a type 2 diabetes mellitus.
People with disabilities are also eligible, and the state has provided many examples of people falling into this category, including people using regional centers, independent living centers, home support services, adult centers, Medi-Cal HIV / Aids relief. and waivers of alternative home and community-based alternatives, Medi-Cal relief waivers, the California Child Care Program (if the child is between 16 and 21 years old), and the California Disabled Persons Program.
The California Department of Public Health released guidelines Thursday, saying people with these high-risk conditions or disabilities would not be required to provide documentation to verify their diagnosis to get vaccinated, but they could be asked for a self-declaration. sign that they meet the criteria.
The state has recommended that suitable persons start contacting their healthcare providers.
“We strongly recommend that individuals with these conditions seek vaccination from a primary health care provider or system, or in an alternative clinical setting,” the state said. “First check with your regular healthcare provider to see if they have vaccines and available appointments. Healthcare providers who have vaccines may also start reaching out to you as a patient with a significant high-risk medical condition or disability that the provider has to plan your vaccination appointment. “
The state said pharmacies, health departments in the province and the pop-up clinic in the community may also have vaccinations for those with disabilities and medical conditions, but some may focus on shooting other groups such as teachers.
San Francisco officials announced Friday that they will expand the state’s definition of qualifying medical conditions, including that people living with HIV can be vaccinated from March 15. What’s more, the city is expanding the state’s disability category to include developmental, medical, physical, sensory, or behavioral health disabilities, including severe mental health and drug use disorders.
The city has warned that the vaccine is in short supply, despite its extensive suitability.
“Next week we will continue to expand access to vaccines in San Francisco and we will continue to work with advocacy advocates and community members to make sure we do our best to reach everyone who qualifies. , “said Mayor London Breed in a statement:” Although the supply is still not at the level we need, we are making good progress and will do our best to get vaccinations in people as quickly and conveniently as possible get.”