Long Beach is continuing its mass vaccination efforts with COVID-19 this week with clinics for healthcare professionals and emergency workers. The city on Saturday will begin the second phase of its deployment with people over 75 and will move on to educators, grocery workers and emergency workers in the coming weeks.
Last week, about 75% of the city’s essential health services workers were vaccinated, officials said. Long Beach is also making progress in its vaccinations for residents and nursing home staff.
Vaccines for the general public are unlikely to be available until late spring or summer.
Here are some answers to common questions:
I am a resident of Long Beach, but I work in a school district, doctor’s office, or other essential area outside the city. Can I request vaccination in Long Beach?
Yes. For now, Long Beach is prioritizing the local workforce and encouraging qualified residents to contact their employer for information about vaccines. Those who are unable to get vaccinated through their employer can get vaccinated in the city. Essential health workers who live in Long Beach and have not received the vaccine from their employer until January 19 should call 562-570-4636, option 6, and leave a message or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment around the city.
When will the city start offering vaccination clinics?
Vaccination clinics started this week for essential health workers and essential emergency workers. They are by appointment only and will be spread throughout the city to meet the needs of those who work here.
Who has been vaccinated so far and how was the initial implementation?
So far, the city has vaccinated health professionals there. Firefighters and frontline health department officials were also vaccinated. So far, the majority of eligible people in the city are receiving the vaccine when it is their turn, city officials said.
Phase 1B includes educators, public security workers, grocery workers and people over 75. When will the city begin Phase 1B, and how can people find out if they are eligible and apply? How long will Phase 1B take?
Phase 1B Tier One begins on Saturday with people over 75 years old. Details on how to apply will be available soon. Before making an appointment at the city’s vaccine clinics, people should first contact their healthcare provider to find out about the availability of the vaccine. Major medical service providers have direct access to the vaccine. Individuals with additional questions can call 562-570-4636, option 6 or email [email protected]. Vaccines for educators and other groups in 1B are expected in the coming weeks. The Long Beach Unified School District is starting its vaccination effort on January 25.
Do all sectors of education count, including community colleges and small private or charter schools?
Yes, all sectors of education from early childhood to university are covered at this stage.
Phase 1C includes high-risk populations of adults over 65 and adults with high-risk medical conditions. When will the city begin Phase 1C?
Officials said it is difficult to make predictions very far in the future, as their ability to get through the phases depends in part on how much vaccine they receive from other government agencies. The authorities, however, said they hope to start Phase 1C in early spring.
If I am eligible to receive the vaccine, can I let a family member or someone else take my place?
Do not.