San Diego County public health officials are planning a phased approach for giving COVID-19 immunizations. Vaccinations are now being given to Tier 1A eligible individuals: healthcare workers, first responders (police, EMTS and firefighters) and employees and residents of long-term care facilities.
Many of the faculty at Grossmont College’s Nursing and Allied Health program have received one or two doses of the vaccine, some because of their work in clinical practice. Nancy Saks, Senior Dean of Allied Health and Nursing, was vaccinated this week at Rady Children’s Hospital.
She discovered that the person assisting her in the check-in/screening process is Jewel Cordova, a current Grossmont College cardiovascular technology student. Saks was given the Moderna brand vaccine, so she will need to return in a month for a second shot. “The fastest part of the process is when you sit in a chair and get vaccinated,” she said.
The next tier
The next phase of vaccinations, Tier 1B, will include those working in education, childcare, emergency services and food and agriculture who face a risk of exposure at work.
County health officials said this week that they are waiting for clearer recommendations from the state Department of Public Health on which workers will be eligible to receive vaccinations in Phase 1B.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that people 65 years of age and older are the next priority group for the COVID-19 vaccination. County officials are planning to make the vaccine available as soon as possible. When the vaccine is available for those over 65, the public will be informed in a number of ways, including through the county's
Coronavirus website.
Both Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College are being considered as possible vaccination sites. College officials are meeting with several vendors to determine the feasibility.
All adults are urged to get a vaccination when it is available. Vaccinations are safe and effective and are provided at no cost.
