Long Beach continues this week with the massive COVID-19 vaccination efforts with clinics for health workers and emergency services workers. The city begins Saturday with the second phase of its launch with people over 75 and will move to educators, grocery workers and emergency services workers in the next few weeks.
From last week, an estimated 75% of the city’s essential health care workers have been vaccinated, officials said. Long Beach is also continuing its vaccinations for nursing home residents and staff.
Vaccinations for the general public will probably only be available in late spring or summer.
Here are some answers to common questions:
I’m a Long Beach resident, but I work in a school district, medical office, or other essential area outside the city. Can I apply to be vaccinated in Long Beach?
Yes. For the time being, Long Beach prefers its local workforce and encourages eligible residents to first ask their employer for vaccine information. Those who cannot get a vaccine through their employer can get a vaccine through the city. Important health workers who live in Long Beach and did not receive the vaccine from their employer by Jan. 19 should call 562-570-4636, option 6, and send a message or email. [email protected] to plan an appointment through the city.
When will the city offer vaccination clinics?
Vaccination clinics started this week for essential health workers and emergency workers. They are by appointment only and will be located throughout the city to cater to the needs of those who work here.
Who has been vaccinated so far and how was the initial deployment?
So far, the city has vaccinated health workers on the premises. Firefighters and frontline health department employees were also vaccinated. So far, most eligible people in the city are getting the vaccine in turn, city officials said.
Phase 1B includes educators, public safety workers, grocery store workers and people over 75. When does the city start Phase 1B, and how can people determine if they are eligible to apply? How long will Phase 1B last?
Phase 1B Tier One begins Saturday with people over 75. Details on how to sign up are coming soon. Before making an appointment through the vaccination clinics in the city, people should first contact their healthcare provider for vaccine availability. Major medical providers have direct access to the vaccine. People with additional questions can call 562-570-4636, option 6, or email [email protected]. Vaccinations for educators and other groups in 1B are expected in the coming weeks. The Long Beach Unified School District begins its vaccination effort on January 25th.
Do all sectors of education, including community colleges and small private or charter schools, count?
Yes, education sectors from early childhood to university are all covered in this phase.
Phase 1C contains high-risk populations of adults over 65 and adults with high-risk medical conditions. When will the city start Phase 1C?
Officials said it is difficult to predict too far into the future as the ability to move through the phases depends in part on how much vaccine it receives from other government agencies. However, officials said they hope to start Phase 1C early in the spring.
Can I have a family member or someone else take my place if I qualify for the vaccine?
No.