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The hoped-for deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine to people 65 and older in Los Angeles County was greeted with chaos and confusion on Thursday, with the county saying it could be weeks before this group can be vaccinated.
It was a frustrating day for the seniors trying to make appointments. Some may have programmed them at retailers, but it is not known if these will be honored. Calls and emails poured into doctors’ offices and pharmacies, and appointment sites run by retail pharmacies are said to have collapsed under the flood of requests.
Now LA County residents over the age of 65 who are looking for a COVID-19 vaccine – and for clarity – will have to queue.
Vaccine distribution varies by county, and Los Angeles says healthcare workers and first responders need their vaccines before the elderly are vaccinated.
Who is eligible in Los Angeles today?
According to the LA County Department of Public Health, Los Angeles is still in Phase 1A of vaccine deployment, which means only healthcare workers and residents of nursing and long-care facilities Qualified duration are eligible to receive the vaccine.
The department said the county was working to deliver doses to another 500,000 such workers by the end of the month, and hoped to move beyond Phase 1A in early February.
The surrounding counties are at different stages of deployment. Orange County and Riverside County have opened vaccines to residents 65 and older, according to their public health departments.
San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties continue to prioritize Phase 1A health workers.
When will it be my turn?
Phase 1A will tentatively end in early February, when the county can focus on Angelenos in Phase 1B – which includes people 65 and over, as well as a selection of essential workers in education, child care ‘children, emergency services, food and agriculture. The county estimates that everyone in Phase 1B will be offered at least one dose of the vaccine by the end of March.
Phase 1C, which includes people aged 50 to 64 and people aged 16 to 49 with underlying health conditions or who have certain essential jobs, is expected to begin in March. Everyone in this phase should receive at least one dose in early May.
Phase 2, which includes all people aged 16 to 49, is expected to start in mid-May or early June.
Children will not be offered the vaccine in the near future, the county health department said. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for people over 16 years of age, and the Moderna vaccine is approved for people 18 years of age or older.
Schedules for each phase are estimates and may change based on supply levels and state prioritization requirements. The phases will overlap.
Los Angeles County has implemented a messaging system for sign up to receive updates on vaccine distribution.
Where will I get my vaccine?
Nearly 100 distribution sites are already listed on the county’s dating portal and include a combination of clinics, health centers and retail pharmacies operated by chains like Albertsons and Ralphs. When registering for an appointment, you will be asked to verify your eligibility for the current phase.
Albertsons pharmacy director Willem Henning said on Wednesday stores were training more than 500 pharmacy technicians in Southern California to help with vaccine administration, and the vaccines were “already coming out the door. As soon as they arrive. Ralphs spokesman John Votava said the vaccine will be rolled out to all 77 Ralphs Pharmacy locations across Southern California and the Central Coast.
Several city-run COVID-19 test sites, such as Hansen Dam Recreation Center and Dodger Stadium, are being converted to vaccination sites. Disneyland is also fast becoming Orange County’s first “super” vaccination site.
Hospital systems, including Kaiser Permanente, as well as private doctor’s offices, will also help roll out immunization to their clients and members.
“We have prepared for the expansion of eligibility as per state guidelines, and are working with counties and heads of state to expand vaccination locations,” Kaiser said in a statement Thursday. “The successful delivery of vaccine to people 65 years of age and over depends on having access to adequate vaccine supplies, which we believe is coming.”
Again, only Los Angeles healthcare workers are currently eligible to register for an appointment. New meeting locations and times will be added as vaccination capacity increases.
Do i have to pay?
No. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the vaccine will be covered by private and public insurance companies. People without health insurance can get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. There are no direct payments.
What should I do while I wait?
Continue to follow public health guidelines: wear headwear, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings. New estimates show that one in 3 LA County residents have been infected with COVID-19.
Officials say you should continue to follow these steps even after receiving both doses of the vaccine.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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