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Universal Eligibility: All Residents 16+ Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning April 15
Residents 16+ can begin scheduling appointments for tomorrow, Thursday, April 15 and later starting today on Wednesday, April 14.
Note: Teens 16 and 17 can only receive the Pfizer vaccine and need to sign up at a site that offers this vaccine.
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For those without access to a computer or the internet, or with disabilities, a County call center is open daily from 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. to help schedule appointments at 833-540-0473.
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AdventurePlex is a Vaccination Site Open to the Public
BCHD's family entertainment facility AdventurePlex (1701 Marine Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA) is now a vaccination site open to eligible County residents beginning this Saturday, April 17 from 1 – 4 p.m. BCHD will administer the Pfizer vaccine.
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Ten Things to Do Now that You are Vaccinated!
You were able to book that vaccination appointment (finally!). If you are lucky, you’ve already completed the vaccine regimen – two doses for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or a single dose for the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson version. Now that you’re vaccinated, it’s not quite time to toss those face masks in the trash – here’s ten things the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention say you can or should do as a vaccinated individual:
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Wait two weeks
Regardless which vaccine you receive, you’re not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks after your last dose in your vaccine regimen – one shot for Johnson & Johnson, two for Pfizer or Moderna. This gives your body time to develop the antibodies to fully protect you from the COVID-19 virus.
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Keep your vaccination card off social media
In their post-vaccination euphoria, many people are posting pictures with their card on social media. Be careful doing this, as there is some personal information, like your date of birth, that could be used by scammers or other unsavory types.
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Continue to protect yourself and others by wearing a face mask and staying six feet from people outside your household. We’re still learning how effective the vaccines are against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 – continuing to take steps to slow the spread of the virus will protect you and those around you.
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The CDC and FDA Recommend Pausing the Administration of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine
The CDC and FDA are reviewing data involving six reported United States cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination.
The CDC will convene a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Wednesday, April 14 to further review these cases and assess their potential significance. The FDA will review that analysis as it also investigates these cases. Until that process is complete, the CDC and FDA are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution. This is important, in part, to ensure that the healthcare provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot. Learn more here.
People who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last three weeks should report severe headaches, abdominal or leg pain, and shortness of breath to their medical provider or seek medical care.
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Revised Health Officer Order
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is making several changes to the Health Officer Order that will take effect on Thursday, April 15. These changes align with the State changes to the Blueprint for a Safer Economy regarding indoor live events and performances, private events such as conferences, receptions and meetings, and private informal gatherings. The updated Health Officer Order reflecting these modifications will be posted online on Wednesday, April 14 along with changes to the protocols for each of these sectors. Learn more here.
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Updated Los Angeles County Travel Advisory and Guidance
- All individuals should continue to avoid non-essential travel
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Fully vaccinated persons are at lower risk and may travel taking public health precautions
- If asymptomatic, no quarantine or testing is needed upon return
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All non-essential travelers who are not fully vaccinated must:
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Quarantine for 7 full days after travel if they get tested and get a negative COVID-19 viral test result from a specimen collected 3-5 days after their arrival
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Quarantine for 10 full days after travel if they did not get tested with a COVID-19 viral test after their arrival
- All travelers must:
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Self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days, and avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness
- Isolate and should get tested if symptoms develop
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Beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy
On April 6, 2021, the State announced that it aims to fully reopen on June 15. As the State reaches 20 million vaccines administered and COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations have stabilized, California looks to move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy to fully reopen the economy. On June 15, all industries across the State can return to usual operations with common-sense risk reduction measures such as masking and vaccinations. The State will monitor hospitalization rates, vaccine access and vaccine efficacy against variants with the option to revisit the June 15 date if needed.
What triggers the move Beyond the Blueprint?
On June 15, California will fully open its economy if two criteria are met:
1. Equitable vaccine availability: If vaccine supply is sufficient for Californians 16 years or older who wish to be inoculated.
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2. Consistently low burden of disease: Hospitalizations are stable and low, and specifically, hospitalizations among fully vaccinated individuals are low.
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Need help?
If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs help with Covered California or health-related information and referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at 310-374-3426, ext. 256, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. or visit us online at bchd.org/resources.
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We look forward to seeing you at the Center for Health & Fitness and AdventurePlex! |
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The Center for Health & Fitness is now open for Personal Training, Small Group Training, Massage and Private Pilates. If you are interested in booking a session, please email chfnews@bchd.org or give us a call at 310-374-3426, ext. 147.
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AdventurePlex is reopening for summer camp beginning June 21. At this time, summer camp is the only program AdventurePlex will be offering, with daily and weekly camps June 21 through August 20. Please provide your feedback in our reopening survey.
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Join the Healthy Minds Initiative
BCHD, in partnership with Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, is running a study on how proper diet and lifestyle can prevent brain disease. The study has transitioned to a virtual environment in response to COVID-19. Learn more.
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Apply for BCHD's Non-profit Agency Grants
BCHD is accepting applications for its non-profit agency grants to enhance its ability to provide preventive health services in the community. Non-profits that provide physical health and/or mental health programs are welcome to apply. Deadline to apply is noon on Friday, May 7. Learn more.
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Apply to be on one of BCHD's Committees
Applicants must be a resident of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach. Deadline to apply is noon on Monday, May 3. Learn more.
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Healthy Living Campus
The Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Healthy Living Campus on Beach Cities Health District's property at 514 N. Prospect Ave. is now available. BCHD has extended the requisite 45-day public review and comment period to 90 days, extending from March 10 through June 10.
Official public comments about the technical sufficiency of the Draft EIR impact analysis, mitigation measures, and alternatives will be accepted until June 10, 2021 at 5 p.m. PT.
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How to Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report
90-Day Public Review and Comment Period: March 10 - June 10, 2021
There are a variety of ways to submit written or oral public comments.
Mail: Nick Meisinger re: Healthy Living Campus
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.
9177 Sky Park Ct.
San Diego, CA 92123
Provide oral comments during one of these public opportunities:
For more information on how to submit a comment or join a meeting, visit bchdcampus.org/eir
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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.
Mondays
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 – 1:30 p.m.
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Virtual Mental Health & Happiness Series: Cultivate Bravery
Learn how to boost your well-being through evidence-based practices to build resilience, feel more connected and be happier. During this mini-workshop part of American Heart Association's Go Red, participants will learn the key components of bravery, experience accessible tools to achieve a courageous mindset and focus on what you can control to manage change and act.
Thursday, April 15
12 – 12:30 p.m.
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PowerTalk21
Join Beach Cities Health District, Behavioral Health Services, MADD and the Hermosa Beach Police Department for a virtual workshop on tips and tools to talk to your child about substance use.
Wednesday, April 21
6 – 7:30 p.m.
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B-Well Together
The B-Well Together campaign is presented in partnership with BCHD and BeachLife Festival as a program offering mental health tools to increase happiness during COVID-19. The campaign will feature celebrity appearances, social media videos, livestream performances and community engagement.
Thursday, April 22
6 – 7 p.m.
LIVESTREAM featuring performance by
Lisa Loeb
Saturday, April 24
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Live Virtual Mental Health & Happiness Workshop: Boost Empathy
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Center for Health & Fitness FREE Virtual Workshops
Friday, April 23
11 – 11:55 a.m.
Robotics in Total Joint Replacement Workshop with Dr. Andrew Wassef
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Virtual BCHD Board of Directors Meeting
Wednesday, April 28
6:30 p.m.
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Virtual Parents’ Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy and Resilient Children
Practical Life Skills for Kids
Hosted by Laura Nickerson with special guest Stella Reid from Nanny 911
Thursday, April 29
7:30 p.m.
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Virtual Blue Zones Project Nutrition Workshop
In collaboration with Cancer Support Community, Registered Dietitian Marissa Martorana will discuss how to eat well after cancer treatment, address common side effects and share tips to support proper nutrition and hydration.
Friday, April 30
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Donate to the Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund
Donations will provide assistance to Beach Cities residents who are income qualified with essentials like groceries, household and cleaning supplies, rent and utility bill assistance and durable medical equipment to help keep them safe at home.
Residents wishing to submit donations by check can mail those to Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund, 1200 Del Amo Street, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.
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COVID-19 Testing at BCHD Campus 514 N. Prospect Ave.
Los Angeles County testing sites, including the BCHD site, currently use nasal swab tests. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns healthcare providers and patients that the test made by Curative, an oral swab test, carries a risk of false results, particularly false negative results. The BCHD testing site does not use the oral swab.
Tests are free of charge and are by appointment only.
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Residents should get tested if they have symptoms or were exposed to someone who was positive and isolate immediately from their family and others if they have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. If you recently traveled and were in crowds while traveling, exposed to unmasked individuals in close proximity, or attended gatherings, you should get tested. |
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Note: Testing does not prevent people from transmitting and getting the virus and is not a substitute for physical distancing, wearing face masks over your nose and mouth, hand washing and avoiding crowds. |
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Reduce Your Risk of COVID-19
Although Los Angeles County is in the Orange Tier, COVID-19 is still out there and is the leading cause of death in the County. We need to do all that we can to protect ourselves, our family and friends.
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Choose Wisely - Avoid the three C's
Confined Spaces - Especially with poor ventilation. Outdoors is better than indoors.
Crowds - The more people the higher the risk, especially if the crowd is unmasked, talking, singing, shouting or breathing hard (exercising).
Close Contact - Staying further apart is safer than being close together.
The more C's, the higher the risk!
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Take Steps to Reduce Your Risk
- Wash your hands often
- Wear a face mask around others - make sure it fits snugly. For better protection, wear a mask with two or more layers.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others
- Increase air flow - go outside, open windows
- Regularly clean surfaces that are touched often
- Keep the number of different households you socialize with small
- Get vaccinated when it is your turn
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Plan Ahead
Stay informed - Check online or call and ask about safety measures before going to a public place. Be prepared to follow the health guidance when visiting.
Be flexible - Be willing to change your plans or make a quick exit to avoid the three C's
Carry an extra mask and hand sanitizer when going out in public
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For more information about COVID-19, visit:
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