Resources

Omicron Variant of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and remain prevalent. Recently, a new variant of COVID-19 was identified and labeled by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “variant of concern” named Omicron. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a press statement and there is also a fact sheet on current information about the Omicron variant on the DDS’ Dec 9th letter HERE.

Vaccine Update

Effective March 15, 2021, all people served by regional centers in California ages 16-64 will be eligible for COVD-19 vaccines.  Vaccine availability due to supply is still limited but people can start making appointments. RCEB will be sending verification letters to all people served in this age group. Please check your mail and continue to check our web site for information.

This is our letter to people in this age group. Your particular letter will have a back side that is be specific to the client.

ENGLISH

SPANISH

Information from California department of Public Health on how to schedule an appointment for a vaccine: CDPH VACCINE

Updated information – Friday, Feb 12th

Starting March 15, vaccines for COVID-19 may be provided to adults 16-64 with developmental or other disabilities meeting the following criteria.

  • The individual is likely to develop severe life-threatening illness or death from COVID-19 infection
  • Acquiring COVID-19 will limit the individual’s ability to receive ongoing care or services vital to their well-being and survival
  • Providing adequate and timely COVID care will be particularly challenging as a result of the individual’s disability

This is still a limited supply globally.   RCEB will be working with our community to identify vaccine locations  and support people to access vaccine throughout the community.

Please see the link to the CDPH announcement https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Provider-Bulletin-2-12-21.aspx

How Can I Get Vaccinated?

Vaccine Information for Family Members

Did you know that family members of persons served may now be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

The letter below from the Department of Developmental Services clarifies that family members of certain people are “health care workers” per the State of California’s Vaccination Plan (https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/). The eligibility of these family members can be established by documentation from RCEB verifying the qualifying condition of the family member.

We cannot provide documentation for those who are NOT served by RCEB. However, if you believe you may be eligible for services please contact our Intake Department for information about how to apply.

RCEB is NOT a vaccine provider. Please check with your county for information on how to access a COVID-19 vaccine at the links found below. Based on eligibility as a family member/health care worker, you can follow the links for “health care worker” on these sites. You can also reach out to your individual health care provider.

There is currently a high demand for and limited supply of the vaccine.  Appointments are not always available quickly for those who want them. In the coming months, we expect that supplies will increase.

Phase 1A Vaccine Information as of February 13, 2021

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Website

Attestation Letters – Update February 13th

Information for Healthcare Providers on Vaccine Eligibility for Family Caregivers. Read the information for clarity on which healthcare workers can provide the attestation letter and for which disabling conditions apply.

For Family Caregivers/Alameda County – Pull up the letter to be signed by your healthcare provider

For Family Caregivers COVID-19 – Step by step guide

Attached are letters from the Department of Developmental Services explaining the role of direct service employees, family members, and certain regional center employees in caring for consumers and thus are prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination within Phase 1A:

From the Department of Developmental Services and Department of Public Health

From Our County Partners in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

Plain Language Information About Vaccines