As of Monday, millions of Californians with pre-existing health problems, as well as disabilities, will be eligible to apply for a COVID-19 vaccine.
With a shortage of supplies, however, getting a chance can be difficult.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who is eligible?
Persons aged between 16 and 64 may be eligible if they are considered to be at higher risk getting very sick because of COVID-19.
The high-risk group includes 10 categories: people with cancer; chronic kidney disease, Stage 4 or higher; chronic lung disease; Down’s syndrome; compromised immune system due to solid organ transplantation; pregnancy; sickle cell anemia; heart diseases, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathies (excluding hypertension); severe obesity; and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
With population estimates for the group at around 4.4. million and with other eligible groups totaling around 13 million, almost half of all Californians will now be eligible for a vaccine.
The state on Thursday also offered specific examples of people who would qualify for eligibility, but are not explicitly listed.
This includes people using regional centers, independent living centers, home support services, community-based adult services, Medi-Cal HIV / AIDS exemptions, exemptions from Medi-Cal community and home based alternatives, life exemptions assisted Medi-Cal, all-inclusive care programs for the elderly, California children’s services programs if the client is aged 16 to 21, and California disability programs.
How do I get a vaccine?
Authorities are asking residents to work with their healthcare professionals to get vaccines as a first step.
“Check with your usual health care provider first to see if they have vaccines and consultations available. Healthcare providers who have vaccines can also start looking for you, as a patient with a significant high-risk medical condition or disability known to the provider, to schedule your vaccine appointment, ”said the state.
Other options include local pharmacies, local health departments, community pop-up clinics or using the My Turn website. Access details:
- Online at myturn.ca.gov. The MyTurn website is accessible to people with disabilities and in eight languages: English, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Japanese.
- Call the COVID-19 hotline at (833) 422-4255 from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday, or from 8 am to 5 pm, from Saturday to Sunday.
Will I have to prove that I am qualified?
The state said people will not be required to prove that they have a disability or health problems when they are vaccinated. Instead, those eligible are expected to sign a self-attestation confirming that they meet the criteria.
“To protect confidentiality, documentation of verification of the diagnosis or type of disability is not required, but instead, anyone who meets the eligibility requirements must sign a self-attestation that it meets the criteria for illness or disability. high risk”. the state said.
Advocates for the rights of people with disabilities pushed for a process that would not create unnecessary barriers, especially for those with less mobility or intellectual disabilities, motivated by problems with the leap in the vaccine line.
What if I can’t get there alone?
The state says that all vaccination sites must be accessible for people with disabilities.
For assistance with transportation, authorities suggest that you call your local health provider, health department or pharmacy.
“If you receive Medi-Cal through a managed care plan, contact your plan member service department to request transportation assistance to receive the benefits covered,” the state said in its bulletin. “If you receive Medi-Cal through Fee-for-Service (FFS), you can access a list of non-medical transportation (NMT) providers in your county and can contact them directly to arrange transportation for your inquiries. If there is no provider in your area, the California Department of Health Services (DHCS) can help by sending an email to [email protected]. “
Is there a list of conditions that qualify?
The California Department of Public Health offered this division:
- Cancer, with weakened immune system
- Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or higher
- Chronic, oxygen-dependent lung disease
- Down’s syndrome
- Solid organ transplantation, leading to a weakened immune system
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell anemia
- Heart problems, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies (but not hypertension)
- Severe obesity (body mass index ≥ 40 kg / m2)
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hemoglobin A1c level greater than 7.5%
- A COVID-19 infection can result in serious life-threatening illness or death; OR
- The acquisition of COVID-19 will limit an individual’s ability to receive ongoing care or services vital to their well-being and survival; OR
- Providing adequate and timely COVID care will be particularly challenging as a result of the individual’s disability.