COVID VACCINE UPDATES
The City of Pasadena has launched a new webpage with vaccine information to keep our community updated and provide a link for healthcare workers to learn about obtaining the vaccine. From the start of the pandemic, data and science have guided Pasadena’s response to COVID-19. That continues to be true when it comes to vaccines. Pasadena continues to distribute and administer the approved safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines as quickly as possible. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine have received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), require two doses, and provide similar efficacy. The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is managing the vaccine distribution and dispensing process, and will be following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). PPHD is working with healthcare system partners to make vaccine access equitable and available to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, in the order of the state prioritization.
Phases and tiers are subject to change, but currently include:
Phase 1a—Vaccinating now.
- Healthcare Workers providing direct care and residents and staff of long-term care facilities
Phase 1b Tier One
- People ages 75 years and over;
- Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors: education, childcare, emergency services, and food and agriculture
Phase 1b Tier Two
- People ages 65-74 years;
- Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors: transportation and logistics; industrial, commercial, residential, and sheltering facilities and services; critical manufacturing
- Congregate settings with outbreak risk: incarcerated and homeless
Phase 1c
- Individuals 50 -64 years of age
- People 16-64 years of age and have an underlying health condition or disability which increases their risk of severe COVID-19
- Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors: water and wastewater; defense; energy; chemical and hazardous materials; communications and IT; financial services; government operations / community-based essential functions
Pasadena has a disproportionately high number of long-term care facilities per 100,000 residents, relative to neighboring jurisdictions. At PPHD’s request, 13 of Pasadena’s Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and 97 assisted living and residential care facilities enrolled in the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care (LTC) Program. The program has partnered with local pharmacies that will facilitate safe vaccination of this critical patient population, while reducing the burden on LTC facilities (LTCF). At no cost to facilities, the program provides end-to-end management of the COVID-19 vaccination process, including cold chain management, on-site vaccinations, and fulfillment of reporting requirements. LTCFs are coordinating appointments with the pharmacy partners, and all SNFs are scheduled to have had at least one vaccine visit with the pharmacies by the week of January 11th. PPHD is also administering vaccines to staff of local skilled nursing and assisted living facilities and dialysis centers this week, and continues to vaccinate Pasadena Fire Department Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics. Partnerships with local pharmacies are also being coordinated to ensure access to vaccine for individuals who qualify for Phase 1a.
According to CDPH, vaccine is likely to be available to the general public in Spring/Summer 2021. For more information on vaccine administration and planning, visit https://www.
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