Join us for the BCHD Board of Directors Meeting Sept. 8
At the meeting, the board intends to consider certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Healthy Living Campus project. It is important to note that certifying the EIR is a determination that the report was completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), not the approval of a specific project plan or design.
Meeting link, final agenda and ways to make public comments coming soon.
Wednesday, September 8
6 p.m.
This meeting will be offered virtually due to COVID-19
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FDA Gives Full Approval to First COVID-19 Vaccine
On August 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave full approval to the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12-15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. Read more here.
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Did you know? Los Angeles County data shows that the COVID-19 infection rate among unvaccinated persons was 4.9 times and the hospitalization rate was 29.2 times the rates of fully vaccinated people in Los Angeles County on July 25, 2021.
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3rd Dose of mRNA Vaccine for Immunocompromised
Although the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines work very well in the majority of individuals, there is evidence that individuals who are severely immunocompromised are not fully protected after receiving two doses and this small, vulnerable group may benefit from a third dose. Certain medical conditions or the treatments used for specific conditions may prevent the immune system from responding adequately to two doses of the vaccine and therefore require an additional dose to provide adequate protection from COVID-19.
Individuals who qualify for a third dose include:
- Organ transplant recipients
- People undergoing cancer treatment
- People with advanced or untreated HIV
- Those on certain immunosuppressive medications
Individuals who qualify should speak to their healthcare provider to confirm their eligibility and get vaccinated. The third dose can be administered at least 28 days following the second dose of the vaccine.
The CDC does not recommend additional doses or booster shots for any other population at this time.
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Booster Shots in the Fall
Federal health officials have developed a plan to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots this fall, pending final FDA evaluation of third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and formal recommendations from CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Highlights of the plan:
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They are prepared to offer booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20 and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose.
- At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster.
- They also anticipate booster shots will likely be needed for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Administration of this vaccine did not begin in the United States until March 2021, and they expect more data on it in the next few weeks.
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What You Need to Know About Going Back to School in Los Angeles County
- Face masks will continue to be required indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status, including during indoor PE classes, unless a person is alone in a room.
- Physical distancing will continue to be recommended as long as it does not interfere with full-time attendance for all students.
- Infection control remains essential.
- Many schools have established routine testing programs to provide an additional layer of protection. All unvaccinated students and staff should be included in routine testing and where resources are sufficient, fully vaccinated individuals should also be included.
- Every school will have a plan on how to manage cases and outbreaks and will notify the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health whenever there are cases. All positive cases are required to isolate, and all close contacts of each case should be tested and are required to quarantine unless they are fully vaccinated and without any symptoms.
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Tips for parents and caregivers:
- Talk to your child about hand hygiene and appropriately wearing their mask. Also, it’s a good idea to send them to school with extra face masks so they can easily change masks if theirs gets wet or dirty.
- Ensure you have a strategy for checking daily for symptoms at home, and as best you can, have an emergency childcare plan in place so that if your child becomes ill, they are able to safely stay home from school.
- If any of your children are 12 or older, please let them know about the importance of getting vaccinated and help them get to a vaccine site where they can get the Pfizer vaccine.
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FAQ: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for women who are pregnant?
Mounting data shows that COVID-19 infection increases the risk of severe illness and pregnancy complications. Studies have also affirmed the vaccines’ safety in all stages of pregnancy. In light of these findings and the increase in cases across the country, the CDC strengthened its recommendation for COVID-19 vaccination for all women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health also encourages pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding to get vaccinated. Get the facts here.
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Virtual Families Connected Parent Chat
A free parent support group led by a licensed professional from the Thelma McMillen Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment at Torrance Memorial Medical Center held in partnership with South Bay Families Connected. Open to all parents.
Monday, August 30
10 – 11 a.m.
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Virtual Happiness Chat
This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!
Tuesdays
12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
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Virtual Mindfulness Drop-In
Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques. The guided session will be led by a trained Beach Cities Health District instructor. First Wednesday of every month.
Wednesday, September 1
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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Back to School Vaccine Clinic
OPEN TO ALL: Students ages 12+, school staff and families
- First/Second Dose Clinic: Thursday, Sept. 2, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
- Second Dose Clinic: Thursday, Sept. 23, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Location: South Bay Adult School, 3401 Inglewood Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Only students who are currently 12 years or older are eligible and parent/guardian must be present for student to be vaccinated.
The following types of identification are accepted for proof of age:
- California ID card or REAL ID card
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Any official document that includes name and date of birth, for example, school record
For more information, call Beach Cities Health District’s School Well-Being Line for Families at 310-374-3426, and press option 2. Hours are Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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BeachLife Festival
BCHD is partnering with BeachLife Festival
to ensure proper health protocols are in place at the September festival. Please make sure to stop by the BCHD booth during the event!
September 10-12
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Virtual Mental Health & Happiness Series
Learn how to boost your well-being through evidence-based practices to build resilience, feel more connected and be happier. The series focuses on the building blocks to help create a healthier and happier you. Presented by Beach Cities Health District in partnership with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
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Topics include:
Boost Empathy: Support connection and shift perspective
Tuesday, September 28 from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Reaffirm Purpose: Navigate transitions and focus on meaning
Tuesday, October 19 from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Maximize Gratitude: Express appreciation and savor kindness
Tuesday, November 9 from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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Take our Community Health Survey!
Beach Cities Health District is asking residents of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach to take its Community Health Survey to better understand local health needs. Residents are encouraged to fill out the survey to ensure their health needs will be taken into consideration when BCHD determines its health priorities.
The last day to complete the survey is Monday, August 30 and the survey takes about 20 minutes to complete.
When you have completed the survey, you will have the option to enter an opportunity drawing for a chance to win two tickets to the BeachLife Festival or gift cards to Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants. Winners will be selected after the survey closes and notified by Friday, September 3.
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