CalOptima Community Announcement

Updates and

Announcements

May 19, 2021

In This Issue

This issue provides COVID-19 updates, such as the dates for the CalOptima Vaccine Clinic and Resource Fairs, expansion of eligibility for Pfizer vaccine for younger children, at-home COVID-19 vaccinations, information about the number of vaccines administered in OC and Toolkits for Community Partners and Providers.

The issue also introduces contributions from UCI infectious disease experts about COVID-19 hot topics. Also, find out about California’s ACEs Aware Initiative.

COVID-19 Updates

CalOptima to Host Vaccine Clinic and Resource Fair

To boost access to COVID-19 vaccines for hard-to-reach CalOptima members, CalOptima and County of Orange agencies are partnering to hold vaccine clinics at CalOptima’s main office on May 22, June 5 and 12 for Pfizer first or second doses and Johnson & Johnson.

In addition to offering vaccination for up to 1,200 people per day, the events will feature resource fair booths, health screenings and information about supportive services. Members are offered a $25 incentive per vaccine dose. Minors ages 12 to 17 need to be accompanied by their parent or guardian and are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

To register, members can call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at 714-834-2000 or use www.othena.com, to register and select the CalOptima vaccination site. Transportation for members can be arranged by calling CalOptima at 888-587-8088. For more information about the Member Health Rewards, visit www.caloptima.org/vaccine.

Orange County to Move Into Yellow Tier

The California Department of Public Health announced that effective May 19, 2021, Orange County will move into the Yellow Tier of the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This means that most businesses in OC will be allowed to increase their operational capacity.

To view the status of a business or activity of interest under the Yellow Tier, please visit the state’s website at covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy.

Click here to read the county's press release.

County of Orange Expands Pfizer Vaccination Eligibility to Include Ages 12–15

As of May 13, Orange County parents and legal guardians of minors ages 12–15 can schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at sites offering the Pfizer vaccine. Read the OC Health Care Agency’s press release for additional information. Minors ages 12 and older who are receiving a vaccine must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian, provide picture ID and proof of age.

At-Home Vaccination

The Orange County Health Care Agency can provide at-home COVID-19 vaccinations for Orange County community members who are:

Only able to be transported by ambulance or stretcher; and/or
On a ventilator; and/or
Have severe behavioral challenges and cannot leave their home

Call the Orange County COVID-19 Hotline at 714-834-2000 for more information.

Vaccines Administered in OC

Summary includes first and second doses administered between December 15, 2020 and May 9, 2021.Click here for more information.

Check Out New Community, Provider Toolkits

Need help with your communications about COVID-19 vaccines? CalOptima developed toolkits for our community partners and providers, and they are full of useful information and resources to encourage vaccination. The toolkits can assist you in building confidence and raising awareness about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines, and help you respond to common questions and concerns.

Click here for more information.

UCI CORNER | Fast COVID-19 Vaccines: How Can Speed Be Safe?

In this issue of Community Announcements, CalOptima introduces regular contributions from UCI infectious disease experts about COVID-19 hot topics. CalOptima partners with UCI on infection control programs for nursing homes.

This first article addresses vaccine safety vs. development speed. In the past, it took years to develop vaccines, so how do we have COVID-19 vaccines so quickly? Vaccines in the U.S. must follow required steps that cannot be skipped. Progress in science and a lot of money helped each step finish faster.

Click here to continue reading.

Community News

California’s ACEs Aware Initiative Launches State of CAre Provider Engagement Campaign

The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and Office of the California Surgeon General (CA-OSG) launched the “State of CAre” health care provider engagement campaign to expand the reach and impact of the ACEs Aware initiative. The campaign slogan is, “Our State of CAre is ACEs Aware.”

The campaign uses digital and print media to raise awareness about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the long-term health effects they can have on children and adults if not addressed.

Click here to access the CA-OSG Announcement.

CalOptima Regulatory Alert

Due to the rapidly changing situation surrounding COVID-19, CalOptima posts a roundup of federal/state rules, guidance and news related to COVID-19 and updates it frequently.

Recent COVID-19 Regulatory Highlight:

CDPH SNF Conference Call Notification Weekly COVID-19 Update Call Notes (posted 5/7/21)

Providers and other health care professionals with questions can contact the Provider Relations department at 714-246-8600 or providerservices@caloptima.org.

How to Contact CalOptima During the COVID-19 Pandemic

CalOptima Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs. Members can call Customer Service from the safety of their home, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have staff who speak their language.

Click here to sign up for the newsletter