CalOptima encourages you to spread the message about the importance of visiting a doctor and getting flu vaccines. Flu season is here, and with COVID-19 ongoing, some people may wonder whether going to see a doctor or getting a flu shot is a good idea. Regular doctor visits and getting flu vaccines are recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, and especially for seniors 65 and older who are at high risk for complications from the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have created a comprehensive tool kit to encourage flu vaccines. Click here to download flyers, social media images and more to share with clients. Click here for a video created by CalOptima encouraging individuals about staying healthy.

Families participating in the Medi-Cal for Families program may be able to save money on premiums. To apply to save money now and for the future, contact Community Health Initiative of Orange County by calling 1-855-927-8333 or emailing help@chioc.org. Click here for the flyer with more information.

A COVID-19 booster vaccine is recommended for the following groups at least six months after receiving the second dose in the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination series:

Individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine  are eligible for a booster dose at least two months after their first shot, if they are 18 years or older.

Click here for more information.

The Orange County Department of Education’s Family Support Services team may be able to help essential workers pay for child care assistance. To qualify for essential worker assistance, a job must be tied to one of the fields listed in the Executive Order N-33-20. Additionally, the worker must not have the option for remote work and must meet an income requirement. For more information, click here.

On November 18, from 2:30–5 p.m. CalOptima and other public agencies and community-based organizations, such as the Orange County Health Care Agency, the Orange County Department of Education and the American Cancer Society, will host Escape the Vape! at the Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center in Anaheim.

The event was developed to educate children, teens and families about the harmful effects of smoking and vaping, and will feature various peer-to-peer education activities, including:

Students can enter either an essay contest (middle and high school) or a coloring contest (elementary school) leading up to Escape the Vape! All contest submissions are due by Friday, November 5, and winners will be presented an award at the event. For more information, including event registration and contest entry, click here.

To increase awareness of food resources for older adults in Orange County, the OC Strategic Plan for Aging Senior Nutrition & Food Security Workgroup created a flyer on food resources for older adults The flyer recommends calling 2-1-1 or 822-600-4357 to learn about the food assistance programs.

Over 122,000 children and youth across the country are in foster care. For teenagers at risk of aging out of foster care, it is just as important to secure a permanent sense of belonging. This year, during National Adoption Month the U.S. Children’s Bureau urges us to prioritize having conversations with youth waiting for adoption. Every conversation matters because every child has a story, and it is our responsibility to help them on their journey by listening to their perspectives—whether you are a caregiver, mentor, educator, counselor, librarian, or any community member. We can empower youth to find their voice and help them on their path to permanency.

Click here to learn more about National Adoption Month and to find tools and educational resources about how to achieve better outcomes for children and youth in need.

CalOptima Customer Service remains ready to respond to member needs as we adhere to guidelines to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 transmission. Our building is closed to visitors. 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. Members can also visit www.caloptima.org and access their member portal.