January 16, 2021
VACCINE INFORMATION: WHAT IS A mRNA VACCINE?
The COVID-19 vaccine is a messenger (mRNA) vaccine. MRNA vaccines are not a new concept and have been around for the past 25 years. However, this is the first time they have been mass-produced in a vaccine. They are 100% synthesized, meaning there is no embryonic tissue or monkey DNA in the vaccine itself and does NOT contain a live virus. MRNA vaccines are very unstable, thus needing to be stored at very low temperatures and is metabolized quickly leaving the body within 24-hrs. Here is what science tells us:
• There is NO live virus in the vaccine: The vaccine contains a small blueprint for a tiny piece of the virus. Your cells recognize this and start to make antibodies.
• There are NO preservatives in the vaccine.
• You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
• MRNA vaccines DO NOT change your DNA.
• Research on mRNA vaccines have shown they are extremely effective and very safe.
• The side effects reported in those who have received the vaccine are consistent with other vaccines.
• If you have had COVID-19 in the past, you are still encouraged to get the vaccine when offered. You need to be 14-days post positive PCR test, and symptoms have resolved before receiving it.
Please remember that you still must continue to wear a mask and physically distance even if you have received the vaccine until we have more transmissibility information. You also need to make sure you schedule an appointment to receive your 2nd dose. The first round only provides roughly 50% immunity 10-14 days after the first dose and 94-95% immunity 10-14 days after the 2nd dose.
It’s also important to remember that reaching herd immunity with any virus has never been achieved without a vaccine. To learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine, Dr. Kazan, Medical Director for Los Angeles County Fire and South Bay resident, has created a video explaining how vaccines work. To view this video, please click here.
FIVE MEGA VACCINE SITES COMING ONLINE NEXT WEEK
Starting Tuesday, January 19, five super vaccination sites will come online to assist LA County in completing vaccinations for those in Tier 1A. Tier 1A is for healthcare workers and others that are on the frontlines. LA County has approximately 500,000 healthcare workers who need to be vaccinated before moving to Tier 1B. Here are the five super vaccination sites currently ONLY open to healthcare and frontline workers:
• Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
• The Forum, 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305
• California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St, Northridge, CA 91330
• LA County Office of Education, 12830 Columbia Way, Downey, CA 90242
• Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
Los Angeles County will not begin vaccinating people aged 65 and older until vaccinations for healthcare workers have been completed and more vaccine is received from the State. Local pharmacies are offering appointments for healthcare workers only. You can sign-up to receive the vaccine newsletter from the LA County Department of Public Health by clicking here.
KNOW YOUR TIER
The following prioritization is from the California COVID-19 Vaccine Plan.
Phase 1B: Vaccine is not yet available to persons listed in Phase 1B.
It is estimated that vaccination will begin for those in Phase 1B in early February. Everyone in this phase should have been offered at least one dose of vaccine by late March.
1B Tier 1
• Persons 65 years and older
• Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors:
o Education
o Childcare
o Emergency services
o Food and agriculture
1B Tier 2
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: Vaccine is not yet available to persons listed in Phase 1C.
It is estimated that vaccination will begin for those in Phase 1C in March. Everyone in this phase should have been offered at least one vaccine dose by late April/early May.
• Persons 50-64 years old
• People 16-49 years of age and have an underlying health condition or disability increase their risk of severe COVID-19.
• Those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors:
o Water and wastewater
o Defense
o Energy
o Chemical and hazardous materials
o Communications and IT
o Financial services
o Government operations / community-based essential functions
Phase 2 (Proposed): Vaccine is not yet available to persons listed in Phase 2.
It is estimated that vaccination will begin for those in Phase 2 by mid-May or early June.
• Persons 16-49 years old without high-risk medical conditions
