This morning, I shared the news that parents/caregivers were given priority under California’s Phase 1A to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have a member of your family that lives with you and has a classified special need, you qualify as a "Healthcare Worker." Here's a list of things you need to do in order to get your COVID vaccine. It is important to note that taking the vaccine is completely optional. Pass on the word to other parents/caretakers who want to get the COVID vaccine.
1) Contact your regional center worker to request a letter on letterhead stating that the person you care for is a Regional Center client, and therefore qualifies the parents/caregivers for the vaccine as a "Healthcare Worker." I'd recommend e-mailing and leaving a voicemail with the following information. Date, Name, Diagnosis, Request for letter, your name & contact info. Here's an e-mail template that is ready to be copy+pasted to send to your Regional Center worker. All you have to do is fill it in with your info.
Insert DATE
Hello, I am the parent of ________, patient of Dr. ________ (date of birth). My child has Down syndrome, Autism & Epilepsy. Recently, the CDC has listed people with the following as being a person of high risk for COVID:
• Cerebral palsy
• Down Syndrome
• Epilepsy
• Specialized health care needs, including dependence upon ventilators, oxygen, and
other technology
Her father and I would like to get the COVID vaccine. We have attached the letter received by the Department of Developmental Services from the State of California. The letter states we need proof to show Bella’s disability. Please provide us the verification requested for her qualifying condition. Thank you, __________
WATCH THIS VIDEO THAT EXPLAINS THE FIRST STEP:
Once you've received letter from your Regional Center case worker, you're ready for the 2nd step.
2nd step: Print letters and have these documents prepared to show and take to your vaccine appointment:
- ID
- Department of Developmental Services (DDS) letter *Posted a graphic you could save & print at the top of this blog.
- Letter from Regional Center (RC) stating your child or person you care for is a RC client and receives services for listed diagnosis'.
To be extra prepared:
- Bring proof of address, such as mail from healthcare firm (such as: doctor's office, hospital, insurance, etc.) Or a print out of a bill. I used a letter that was mailed to my daughter from Medi-Cal.
- Some parents are bringing their child's birth certificate to show proof
- Print out of child's Individual Program Plan (IPP) from Regional Center, which shows their listed diagnosis'
- You must say you're a "Healthcare Worker"
If you're a classified "Healthcare Worker" you must bring one of the sets of documentation listed below. If you do not have documentation, you will be asked to return with it.
- Healthcare worker or student badge with photo OR
- Professional license AND a photo ID OR
- Payment stub from healthcare provider with your name AND a photo ID
For your second dose, all you need to bring is:
- White vaccine record card or electronic vaccine record AND a photo ID
WATCH THE VIDEOS BELOW TO SHOW YOU THE LIST OF THINGS I PREPARED:
Once you have all the DOCUMENTATION needed, you can schedule an appointment online. Appointments are mandatory. You cannot just drive to any vaccination site and expect to receive vaccine without an appointment. It's important to note that the appointments are being filled fast, HOWEVER, they're also constantly being updated when people reschedule their appointment. That's how I was able to get an appointment for the following day. I kept refreshing the screen until something became available and I reserved it as soon as it became available. Check here for appointment by county:
*PLEASE DO NOT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT UNLESS YOU ARE:
- a healthcare worker who has direct or indirect contact with patients or infectious materials (Phase 1A),
- a resident of a long-term care facility or
- a person age 65 and older
WATCH THE FULL EXPERIENCE OF WHEN I WENT TO THE POMONA FAIRPLEX TO GET MY VACCINE:
WATCH MY REVIEW THE MORNING AFTER RECEIVING THE VACCINE:
I hope this helps you or someone you know. If you have any more questions, I'm happy to help. You can e-mail me at: darlenerodrigo@iheartmedia.com