Week of March 26, 2021

Vaccine Eligibility Expands to More Californians 

Governor Newsom announced that California is expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning April 1, Californians aged 50 or older will be able to sign up for an appointment. Beginning April 15, eligibility will be expanded to everyone aged 16 and older.  

>> Click here for more information from the State on COVID-19 vaccines.

FEMA to Offer Financial Assistance for Funeral Expenses Due to COVID-19

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. FEMA will begin to implement COVID-19 funeral assistance in April. Additional guidance is being finalized and will be released to potential applicants and community partners as soon as possible. In the meantime, people who have COVID-19 funeral expenses are encouraged to keep and gather documentation. 

California Releases Updated Guidance for Youth Programs

Earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated guidelines to allow band, drumline, choir and drama as low-contact youth recreational activities under the state's youth and adult recreational sports guidelines. In addition, updated guidance on spectators for youth and adult recreational sports is being developed. The youth and adult recreational sports FAQ has also been updated. 

Orange County Continues Vaccine Distribution

Regarding vaccine distribution in Orange County, there are three Super Point of Dispensing (POD) sites at the Disneyland Resort, Soka University, and the Anaheim Convention Center, along with other smaller POD sites and mobile clinics. The Soka University and Disneyland Super POD sites are offering ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) vehicle lanes for in-car vaccinations for eligible individuals with disabilities and appointments, who are displaying vehicle placards or license plates. 
 
As a reminder, the County PODs and mobile clinics are not the only options for folks wanting to receive a vaccine. Other health care providers are approved to dispense vaccines, including hospitals, pharmacies, and health clinics, and they play an essential role in vaccinating Orange County's population. Large retail pharmacies at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Costco, Target, and Albertsons receive their vaccine allocations directly from the Federal Government.

Additional Vaccine Information Available through the County of Orange

To receive the OC Health Care Agency’s Vaccine Facts newsletter, which includes a weekly digest of information and news about the vaccine, click here and scroll down until you see the “subscribe” button. Spanish and English language assistance is available for questions related to Othena and vaccine-related issues via the HCA 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.