Week of February 12, 2021

County Continues Vaccine Distribution

The County continues to operate two regional Vaccine Super Point of Dispensing (POD) sites – one at the Disneyland Resort and one at Soka University of America. The Health Care Agency is reporting that 400,000 vaccine doses have been administered so far, with about 40% of those having been conducted at the County’s Super Point of Dispensing (POD) sites. As of February 10, 100,000 Orange County seniors have been vaccinated. The County is in the initial stages of rolling-out a smaller-scale POD at Santa Ana College, with more details on this to come in the future. The biggest challenge with vaccine distribution remains the limited allocation of the vaccine.

Orange County Remains in the Purple Tier

Orange County remains in the Purple Widespread Tier 1 of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Some notable sectors that may operate in the Purple Tier include: outdoor dining at restaurants, outdoor fitness/gyms and playgrounds, and indoor operations for nail salons, hair salons, barbers, and other personal care services. Residents are encouraged to continue to stay home as much as possible, wear a face covering when outside the home, and wash hands often. To learn how a sector is able to operate in the Purple Tier in Orange County, visit the State’s website.

Current Vaccine Eligibility in Orange County

The County maintains vaccine eligibility to Orange County residents aged 65 and older, and individuals eligible under Phase 1A, which is explained by clicking here. The County will reevaluate expanding eligibility to others as the ICU level stabilize and more vaccines become available. The OC Health Care Agency’s has a Vaccine Facts newsletter, which includes a weekly digest of information and news about the vaccine, to subscribe click here. County sites are not the only options for residents to receive a vaccine. Other health care providers are approved to dispense vaccines including hospitals, pharmacies, and health clinics. Large retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens receive their vaccine allocation directly from the federal government. Most recently, CVS in Yorba Linda has begun taking appointments for vaccine distribution for eligibility people.

Multi-Language Assistance for Othena

Spanish and English language assistance is now available for questions related to Othena and vaccine-related issues via the Health Care Agency’s Hotline at (714) 834-2000. Please note, that the hotline cannot schedule appointments or register users in the Othena system. More vaccine information can be found on the County’s website.

Deadline for the County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program Approaching

The County of Orange launched an Emergency Rental Assistance program at the beginning of the month. Applications are being accepted until February 28. Rental households are eligible for up to $10,000 in financial assistance for unpaid rent or utility bills due to the impact of COVID-19. More information on this program is available here.