To help prepare children and families as they go back-to-school and boost access to COVID-19 vaccines, CalOptima and County of Orange agencies are partnering to hold a vaccine clinic and back-to-school resource fair with no-cost backpack and school supplies giveaways (while supplies last). The event is Saturday, August 28, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at CalOptima’s office located at 505 City Parkway West, Orange, 92868. Minors ages 12 to 17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, need to be accompanied by their parent or guardian and must bring proof of their age. CalOptima Medi-Cal members can receive a $25 gift card Member Health Reward per vaccine dose.

Community partners will be on site to share resources for food, mental health and early education, including County of Orange Social Services Agency for CalFresh and Medi-Cal enrollment, 211OC and OC Head Start.

CalOptima has hosted COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout the summer. To schedule a vaccine appointment for the event on August 28, call the OC COVID-19 Hotline at 1-714-834-2000 or go to www.othena.com and select the CalOptima vaccination site to register.

To schedule a vaccine appointment for an individual on the autism spectrum or other disability, call Dr. Chelsea O’Haire at 949-267-0444 at the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Appointments are limited to first come, first served. For more details regarding accommodations for individuals on the autism spectrum, click here.

Transportation for CalOptima Medi-Cal members can be arranged by calling CalOptima at 1-888-587-8088 to make a reservation. For more information about Member Health Rewards, visit www.caloptima.org/vaccine.

The County of Orange Health Officer issued a revised health order on August 20, 2021, regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements and status verification, testing and face coverings, incorporating recent orders and guidance by the California State Public Health Officer and the California Department of Public Health. It includes a strong recommendation for all emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and home health care providers (including In-

Home Supportive Services workers) to be fully vaccinated by September 30, 2021. Unvaccinated individuals must test twice weekly for COVID-19 until they are fully vaccinated.

Federal unemployment benefit programs under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act end on September 4. Benefits will no longer be paid for the following types of claims:

The federal government does not allow benefit payments to be made for weeks of unemployment after these programs end, even if there are balances left on claims. Certification weeks eligible for payment before the end date of these programs will be processed. This includes weeks eligible for conditional payments. People will be notified about what to expect based on their claim type.

Click here for more information about the end of federal unemployment benefits and key benefit programs currently available in California.