Fall is just around the corner, but the heat and celebration that characterize summer haven't ended yet. This month, we are partnering with Oakland Pride and Pridefest to bring health education and MPX vaccine to residents. This was made possible through partnership with the State and the Biden-Harris Administration's Special Events vaccine pilot program to reach communities most directly impacted by this epidemic. See MPX Update

As we honor the contributions and resilience of working people this Labor Day weekend, we encourage everyone to take steps to preserve health and wellness. COVID-19 cases are on a sustained downward trend from the most recent wave's peak, but the pandemic continues to impact Alameda County communities. See Labor Day Weekend Health Tips

Thank you to everyone who participated in Behavioral Health’s Strategic Planning Initiative Survey. Your participation gave us valuable insight on how to best create a long-term plan to meet the needs of the community, including those underserved, unserved, or inappropriately served.

The FDA recently authorized Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's updated vaccine boosters. The updated boosters target the Omicron variant and the original virus strain. At the time of this writing, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended use of these updated boosters for people ages 12+ for Pfizer and 18+ for Moderna. Pending CDC and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup accepting these recommendations, eligible people can receive an updated booster two months after receiving their last primary series or booster dose. Contact your health care provider for booster appointment availability. Alameda County-run clinics may start offering updated boosters at the end of next week. The COVID-19 Vaccine webpage will be updated once clinics are available. Until the updated doses are available, booster appointments for 12+ are on hold per FDA guidance. First booster doses for children 5-11 are authorized separately and are still available. A second booster dose and the updated booster that targets the Omicron variant haven’t been authorized for the 5-11 age group.

The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is now available in Alameda County-run clinics and home vaccination as a primary series (2 doses, 3-8 weeks apart) for ages 12+. Novavax joins Pfizer and Moderna as recommended COVID vaccines. Novavax is not approved for booster use at this time.

The Health Care Services Agency (HCSA) is diligently tracking MPX (pronounced m-pox) and ramping up response efforts. HCSA launched a new MPX-focused website, https://mpx.acgov.org/, where community members can find local data and information. The MPX virus is concerning and has thus far disproportionately affected some communities. We’re leveraging many lessons from the ongoing COVID-19 response, including:

MPX Resources:

An excessive heat warning has been issued for eastern Alameda County and an excessive heat watch for the remainder of Alameda County through September 6. Monitor yourself, children, older family members, and pets for heat illness and drink lots of water to stay hydrated. To keep cool, stay out of the sun, remain in air-conditioned rooms, or place cool damp towels over hands, face, and feet. 

Extremely hot weather can be dangerous for people experiencing homelessness. Resources for unhoused residents to stay safe in the heat are available on Health Care for the Homeless' website. To find Cooling Centers in Alameda County, visit the Office of Emergency Services' website.

COVID-19 is still with us and we encourage residents to gather safely:

If celebrating outside, take steps to protect skin and bbq safely.

Alameda County residents 18 and older who haven’t tested for HIV in 12 months or longer are eligible to order a self-collection test kit for HIV, HCV, and STIs (specifically gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis). Oral-fluid HIV test kits are available now. The lab-based collection kits will be available starting Friday, September 2. Log onto takemehome.org to register, order a test kit, and create a portal to view results. Public Health staff are available to assist anyone diagnosed with HIV, HCV, or an STI with connections to appropriate medical care. Contact Office of HIV.

The cities of Oakland and Newark were recently awarded grants for Project Homekey, expanding permanent housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in Alameda County. In partnership with the Office of Homeless Care and Coordination (OHCC), both Homekey projects will convert former hotels into permanent housing.

The City of Newark will receive $38.1 million for the development of 124 units for veterans as well as individuals who are chronically homeless or at risk of becoming chronically homeless. The City of Oakland was awarded $5.6 million to develop 24 interim units for unhoused adults and 10 interim units for unhoused youth. OHCC, operator of two county-run Homekey sites and partner on seven city-run Homekey sites, will provide applicant referrals and services funding for formerly homeless residents.

Alameda County congratulates our partners in Oakland and Newark for their commitment to expanding the number of permanent homes for unhoused community members. We look forward to working with them to leverage these new resources in collective efforts to end homelessness in the region.

Find vaccine and testing locations by visiting our website. Additional resources on our COVID-19 website include a ventilation interactive tool, guidance for isolation and quarantine, mask and face coverings, workplace recovery, and community resources.

Please visit our dashboard for more data on COVID-19.

The Health Care Services Agency partnered with Duke University to host a delegation of Taiwanese health officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. We discussed our equity work and approach to addressing local health disparities, the social determinants of health, cultural responsiveness, and the safety net system and community partnerships that include Alameda Health System, Alameda Health Consortium, Asian Health Services, and Roots Community Center. The delegation, in turn, shared an overview of their health care system and COVID-19 response efforts. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and learn.