District 4 Update
COVID Vaccination Distribution
We have received a lot of questions and comments expressing confusion and frustration about vaccination programs. This newsletter is meant to clarify information about vaccine distribution. Thank you for bearing with us as we navigate these processes. If you have further questions, please email my office at District4@sonoma-county.org.

The supply of COVID-19 vaccines that Sonoma County receives is currently limited, as it is throughout the United States. The County of Sonoma is following state and federal guidelines for distribution. Priority administration of the vaccine has been determined by a number of factors, including risk of exposure from work or living environments, as well as vulnerabilities due to age and medical conditions.

While new state and federal guidance recently expanded for individuals over 65 to now receive the COVID-19 vaccine, there are limits on how much vaccine is available. Before expanding to the next phase, Sonoma County continues to prioritize vaccine distribution to those most vulnerable to COVID-19 due to high risk of exposure at work and 75+ year-old individuals.

The Department of Health has been coordinating with primary care providers on plans for expanding vaccinations. For those of you with providers, please contact your health center as many providers will be scheduling your appointment when you're eligible for the vaccine. Residents without a provider offering vaccinations can contact local clinics.

For the latest information please monitor https://socoemergency.org/vaccine
and the County of Sonoma Facebook page for updates on vaccinations and eligibility.
Eligibility of Residents 65 and 75 and Over

Sonoma County is committed to prioritizing those aged 75 and over in the distribution of vaccines in our community for the following reasons:

Given that our region is known as a retirement destination, Sonoma County is home to roughly 102,000 residents who are 65 and over, representing about 25 percent of our total adult population. The County does not have enough vaccinations to address this demand. This is why the county is focusing on those 75 and above, which represents about 36,000 residents.

This group represents those most vulnerable, most at risk and, in general, least tech-savvy and, thus, least able to schedule vaccinations online without assistance.

This commitment to those 75 and above is shared by many local health care partners who also are prioritizing this age group in their vaccinations.
OptumServe site at Rohnert Park Community Center

The Optumserve is a pilot program run by the state in partnership with the County of Sonoma. Sonoma County is one of only four counties in the state selected to participate in this pilot program. Due to the large population of local residents over 65 years of age, the Optumserve pilot program is designated for residents 75 and over.

Unfortunately the OptumServe link was prematurely shared on social media prior to finalization of the web portal, which led to ineligible residents filling up appointments. These appointments were cancelled for anyone under 75 or living outside of Sonoma County. In addition, appointments made without ensuring the necessary gap (21 days for Pfizer, 28 days for Moderna) between first and second doses are being rescheduled.

The OptumServe website has been updated to confirm eligibility and identification will be checked at vaccination sites.

Sonoma County residents 75 and over can visit https://myoptumserve.com/covid19 or call 877-218-0381 to find out how to set an appointment.

Residents under 75 can register with https://myturn.ca.gov/ to receive notification about when they're eligible for vaccination.
Educators getting vaccinated

Teachers remain a priority for vaccinations, but with the demand for vaccines far exceeding the supply, Sonoma County was forced to prioritize those most medically vulnerable to receive the vaccine. 

As an example, the day the governor announced that all those over 65 should be vaccinated, which represents 102,000 residents in Sonoma County, the County received just 4,000 doses for that week. In addition to the huge shortage, the supply chain has also been inconsistent.

The 15,000 teachers, 13,400 of which are younger than 65, will be rescheduled we hope within two to three weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions


What about second vaccinations?
In order for the vaccine to be effective, Pfizer advises 21 days between doses and the Moderna vaccine requires 28 days. No one who has already received a first shot will be denied a second regardless of age. However, some people are having their second shots rescheduled because they did not book their second appointment out far enough. Some booked a second shot too soon after the first.

How long until those 65 and older can get appointments?
Looking at the numbers, we expect that we will be able to open the OptumServe scheduler to those over 65 in about two to three weeks. We have to give our most vulnerable 75 and over residents a chance first to try to help them.
 
Where should people with a primary healthcare provider get vaccinated?
Primary healthcare providers such as Kaiser, Sutter, and St. Joseph’s receive their vaccine allotments directly from the state, not the County. Each provider has their own protocols when administering the vaccines. Most are starting off with vaccinating the 75 and over age group and will then move towards the 65+ age group. Please check with your healthcare provider for details on their distribution process.

How will uninsured residents get vaccinated?
People who are medically underserved, or who have no insurance, will be able to access the vaccine through a county or partner clinic as soon as possible within state and federal guidelines for distribution.

Where are the vaccination clinics?
Vaccine clinics will be strategically located in different areas of the County to support outreach to the entire community. Clinics supported by the County now have the capacity to provide up to 2,500 vaccinations a day for targeted groups. These sites include:
  • AMR and fire agency clinic for first responders and law enforcement at Public Health Lab
  • Sonoma County Medical Association clinic for health-care providers at Grace Pavilion/Fairgrounds
  • Safeway clinic for in-home supportive services workers at Sonoma County Fairgrounds
  • Clinical Health Appraisals clinic for Public Health field workers at County Administration building
  • DEMA Consulting clinic for community health promoters at Roseland Library
  • The Fitness Center at Santa Rosa Junior College-Petaluma Campus
  • Huerta Gym in the Town of Windsor for those ages 75 and up.
  • OptumServe site in Rohnert Park for those 75 and up
  • In addition, the County is looking at setting up a vaccination center in Sonoma Valley
Please see this webpage for updated vaccination clinic information.
 
Are the Covid-19 vaccines free?
Yes, the vaccines are free to everyone.
 
Does Sonoma County have a sufficient vaccination supply at this time?
No, we are not getting enough doses for the Phase 1b population. The supply of vaccines is the most important limiting factor. We are currently prioritizing ensuring people can receive both the first and second dose before registering additional first dose vaccinations.
 
Do you need an appointment to get the vaccine?
Yes, always. We need to schedule appointments carefully so we have 15 minutes of observation and that we also uphold the COVID guidelines.
 
Do you have to get both doses of the same vaccine?
Yes. Your first dose and second dose must be from the same vaccine manufacturer.
 
How will I know I'm eligible for the vaccine?
The state has set up a website, https://myturn.ca.gov/, for individuals to input information about the vaccine receiver. The state will let you know whether you qualify for a vaccine now; if you do not qualify yet, it will notify you when it is your turn.

How can we move faster in the distribution of the vaccine?
We are ramping our efforts. We will continue to provide more vaccines over time. We are looking at 18-20 lanes for drive-through clinics. New groups are being licensed for administering vaccinations, like EMTs and dentists. We are currently limited by the supply of vaccines available.
 
Who are considered essential workers?
California state has outlined details around essential workers that can be found here: https://covid19.ca.gov/essential-workforce/. The CDPH will continue to refine the guidelines and definitions, and we will adhere to these accordingly.
 
How do you plan to vaccinate and do outreach for hard-to-reach populations such as local tribes, tribal members, undocumented individuals, homeless, informal economy workers, farmworkers, disabilities, etc.?
We have existing experience in reaching these communities for disaster relief and will utilize those skills in the vaccination rollout program. We are actively working with various community organizations to ensure all groups are represented in the vaccination outreach and administration.
 
How will those at residential care facilities get vaccinated?
Residents and employees of senior living centers will be vaccinated by the CVS/Walgreens program, a partnership with the federal government.