Caring Notes
This is Our Shot
The coronavirus pandemic continues to be stressful for many people. Now that vaccines are becoming available, some individuals are torn between a fear of getting COVID-19 and concerns over the vaccine itself. This is understandable. Discuss any concerns you may have with your supervisor. To get an overview of the vaccine, check out this Power Point presentation or this detailed FAQ document. (Best viewed using Google Chrome or Safari browser.)

Healthcare personnel are a priority population for receiving COVID-19 vaccine. High uptake is needed to protect the healthcare workforce, patients, and the community. It is up to us to make use of tools like a vaccine and continued masking, distancing and hand washing to keep our patients, each other and our families safe as new, more contagious strains of COVID-19 are spreading rapidly in Southern California.

If you are unable to get your vaccine at T.H.E. this week, as a healthcare worker you may choose to go to any of the LA County vaccination sites. Learn more or sign up at this link.

For more information about the vaccines, check out "Answering Your Questions About the New COVID-19 Vaccines" from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cliff's Corner
Hope Ahead
I am pleased to share I received my second dose of COVID-19 vaccine this week. I am grateful for the opportunity to join so many others now and in the future in taking a step to beat back a virus that turned our world upside down in 2020.

Finally, we have hope ahead of us. I encourage each and everyone of you to join me in the fight against COVID-19 by arming up and taking your best shot when you get the chance.
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Got questions?
Let's Talk
Wondering how effective the COVID-19 vaccines are or how long immunity lasts? This medical expert and investigator on the vaccines' clinical trials has the answers you need. Check out this Q&A with Purvi Parikh, M.D, an investigator on the clinical trials sharing insights on:

  • How do these vaccines work?
  • Are they safe?
  • What about possible side effects?
  • How many people need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity?
Three Reasons You Were Given
Priority for Vaccination
1. You are on the front lines and risk being exposed to people with COVID-19 each day on the job.

2. Protecting you also helps protect your patients and your family, especially
those who may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

3. You matter! And you play an essential role in keeping your community healthy.
Dr. Derrick Butler, CMO
Be A Spokeperson
I know everyone has COVID fatigue. The vaccine is our pathway out of the pandemic, its restrictions, and its effect on the economy.

As a healthcare hero who has been on the frontlines this last year, you have an opportunity now to further advance public health when you educate your social network. 

I invite you to join me in being a spokesperson and letting your community know when you get vaccinated so others can see getting vaccinated is normalized. You can make a difference in the thought processes of others, making a cultural shift happen.

When you have the chance, please #GetTheShot! #ThisIsOurShot.
Documentation
Follow-Up with HR
Once you have received your COVID-19 vaccine, either one or both doses, please send a copy of your vaccination record to Human Resources at HR@tohelpeveryone.org or bring a copy to the office.

If you are declining to be vaccinated, please sign the “Request for Waiver of COVID Vaccination Form” and return it to Human Resources.
T.H.E. (To Help Everyone) Health and Wellness Centers