Yes, Los Angeles County has mandated that all individuals aged 6 months or older who live or work in the county are required to receive a flu vaccine or face a penalty. This includes both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines.
Vaccination is also strongly recommended for pregnant women and anyone who is at high risk for complications from the flu. The penalty for non-compliance is a $100 fine and possibly an additional penalty of up to $25 per day per violation.
Vaccines must be obtained through a healthcare provider, a participating pharmacy, or a public health clinic. Additionally, those who are unable to afford the vaccine may be eligible for the Vaccines for Children program, which provides free vaccines to eligible children and adolescents.
Is it mandatory to have Covid vaccine in California?
No, it is not mandatory to have a Covid vaccine in California. While the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized some vaccines for emergency use, there is no federal or state mandate for individuals in California to get vaccinated.
However, some colleges and employers may have specific requirements that include vaccination. Californians are encouraged to get vaccinated to ensure their protection from the virus, however it is not currently a legal requirement.
Vaccine availability and eligibility may vary depending on the area. Visit the California Department of Public Health website for more information on vaccine availability and eligibility.
Is the vaccine mandate still in effect in California?
Yes, the vaccine mandate is still in effect in California. In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown passed a law that eliminates personal belief exemptions from immunizations and instead requires children attending public or private schools, as well as licensed day care facilities, to be vaccinated according to the schedule established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To provide exemptions for medical reasons, a health care provider must provide a written statement that the vaccination is detrimental to the student’s health. The law also requires all California schools and licensed day care centers to collect and maintain immunization records for the students enrolled in their programs.
Despite a recent court ruling in San Diego that declared the law unconstitutional, California’s Department of Public Health is appealing the decision, so the law is still in effect.
Can my employer force me to get vaccinated in California?
In California, the answer is generally no – employers typically cannot require you to get vaccinated for any medical condition, vaccine or otherwise. The California Supreme Court has held that requires of employees to submit to any medical tests, including vaccines, would require employees to waive their constitutional right to privacy, as this would require employees to disclose sensitive health information, as well as impose a physical invasion of the body.
However, this may not always be the case – it is worth checking with your employer’s human resources department and/or an attorney to confirm what their policy is on vaccinations. Some workplaces may incentivize vaccination, or offer policies that require vaccinations for certain individuals or jobs, particularly in excluded positions such as health care or food service.
Any policy requiring premises must be cleared with the California Department of Labor Standards Enforcement. It is also worth noting that while you are protected from employer mandates, you are still allowed to voluntarily get vaccinated.
In short, California employers generally cannot require employees to get vaccinated, but it is always worth checking with your employer’s Human Resources Department or a lawyer for clarification on their specific policies.
Is COVID booster mandatory in California?
No, the COVID booster is not mandatory in California, as of May 2021. However, the California Department of Public Health does recommend that individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 receive a “booster” dose 12 weeks after receiving their last dose.
This booster dose helps maximize the body’s immunity against the virus and potentially reduce the risk of disease and long-term effects of COVID-19. The California Department of Public Health suggests that individuals who have already been vaccinated should discuss this booster dose with their healthcare provider to see if it is right for them.
Additionally, the California Department of Public Health has developed resources to help individuals choose a COVID-19 vaccine provider, learn more about the vaccine and track their COVID-19 vaccine history.
Can unvaccinated play in California?
No, unvaccinated individuals are not allowed to play in California. California’s Immunization Law requires all school-aged children to be fully vaccinated in order to attend school, including both public and private schools.
This means that any child who is not vaccinated will not be allowed to attend school, or to participate in activities such as sports or other extracurricular activities which are typically associated with a school.
Additionally, health departments at the county and state level may have specific regulations regarding the participation of unvaccinated persons in certain activities. It is important to contact your local health department to inquire about specific regulations that may apply in your area.
In addition to the Regulatory requirements for unvaccinated persons in California, it is important to consider that unvaccinated individuals can develop and spread communicable diseases to those who are properly vaccinated or to those who have immune system deficiencies.
This can potentially have devastating effects on the health of a person and the surrounding community. Thus, it is beneficial to the public health and safety of California if unvaccinated persons refrain from participating in activities such as play, in order to reduce the risk of the spread of potentially life-threatening diseases.
Is Covid vaccination required to work in California?
At this time, vaccination for COVID-19 is not required in order to work in California. Employers may encourage their employees and/or visitors to get vaccinated, but they cannot force them to do so. Businesses and employers must comply with the state and federal laws regarding workplace discrimination, so they cannot deny employment or promotional opportunities based on an individual’s vaccination status.
However, employers may implement safeguards such as requiring that all individuals get vaccinated if a majority of their workforce has already received their shot. The California Department of Public Health encourages workplaces, businesses, and employers to develop comprehensive and inclusive plans that promote access to COVID-19 vaccinations and to make sure masks, social distancing, and other measures are in place to reduce the risk of transmission.
More information on workplace safety requirements can be found on the California Department of Industrial Relations website.
When can I get my second Covid booster in California?
In California, individuals who have received their first Moderna COVID-19 vaccine should receive the second dose at least 28 days after the first dose, and individuals who have received their first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine should receive the second dose at least 21 days after the first dose.
It is important to get the vaccine at the same site as the first dose was received. As eligibility rules and vaccine availability vary by county, it’s important to contact the provider where the first dose was received, reach out to a local health department, or visit the California COVID-19 Vaccine page to find out more information.
In addition, some counties are providing booster shots even if one is more than 30 days past the interval determined by the manufacturer and health care provider, so it is important to check with the local health department or provider if an individual needs to get their second dose before then.
Can you request 2nd Covid booster?
Yes, you can request a second COVID-19 booster shot within a certain amount of time following your initial vaccination. Current guidelines recommend that individuals who received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine get their second shot 21 or 28 days after their first shot, respectively.
However, once you have received your first dose of the vaccine, you can discuss with your healthcare provider their recommended time frame between the first and second doses. It is important to note that studies have consistently shown that the timing of the second shot is critical in order to ensure full efficacy.
Therefore, if you miss your scheduled second vaccine appointment, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible in order to re-schedule.
Who qualifies for the second booster?
Children aged between 4 and 6 years old are eligible for the second booster shot. The booster is recommended for all children who received their first doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine at least 4 weeks before the recommended age for the booster.
The booster provides additional protection against these three diseases and is often given during the same office visit as other inoculations that are required for children in this age group. Children aged 7 and older are generally considered to have already developed immunity to these three diseases and do not need this second booster.
Some parents may have concerns or questions about the vaccine, and it is always recommended to ask healthcare professionals for more information. It is important to understand that the MMR vaccine is an important part of recommended childhood immunizations, and the second booster shot can help protect children from measles, mumps and rubella.
Who is eligible for vaccine in California?
In California, anyone 16 years of age and older is currently eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. All individuals 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive the vaccine. Individuals who are not able to make vaccine appointments for themselves due to disability, language barriers, or other obstacles should contact their local health department or provider to discuss options for obtaining a vaccine.
Some counties have eligibility requirements due to local levels of vaccine distribution and availability, so individuals should check with their county health department for more information. California-based employers and some health insurance plans can also assist with vaccine scheduling and appointment review.
California has also developed special pandemic initiatives for certain populations, such as those who work or live in homeless shelters and motels, homeless encampments, correctional facilities, or agencies that provide direct medical and mental health care, and nonprofit organizations that provide basic needs.
In addition, California offers special vaccine lanes for teachers and child care workers, health care workers, agricultural workers, and food and grocery workers. Antibody therapy is available to eligible individuals in California who meet certain medical criteria.
Who’s entitled to the Covid vaccine?
The first people to receive the Covid vaccine are those most at risk of serious illness from Covid-19. This includes healthcare workers, people aged 65 and over, people with underlying medical conditions as well as residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes.
Depending on the state, additional groups may be prioritized for the vaccine.
The priority groups recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) follow.
1. Healthcare workers.
2. Residents of long-term care facilities.
3. Essential workers who are at higher risk of exposure including first responders and grocery store employees.
4. People aged 65 and over.
5. People aged 16–64 with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness from Covid-19.
As supplies of the vaccine increase, more people are likely to receive the vaccine. To ensure that medical supplies can reach the most people, it’s recommended to get the vaccine once it becomes available to you according to the CDC guidelines.
It’s important to note that the vaccine isn’t always available to everyone at the same time. Local health officials will provide information about vaccine availability and eligibility in their areas.
Do you have to be California resident to get vaccine?
No, you do not have to be a California resident to get a vaccine. Currently, California is allowing all individuals age 16 and older to register for any of the state’s four types of vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Astra Zeneca.
You can register and find out more information on California’s MyTurn portal. However, while non-California residents are allowed to get vaccine shots in California, they should bear in mind that their state of residence may have different eligibility requirements, so it is important to check with their home state or county health departments.
Additionally, some counties in California have opened up vaccine eligibility to all adults, regardless of their state of residency. In such cases, it is possible for non-California residents to get vaccinated in those counties as well.
Do nurses in California have to be vaccinated?
The answer is yes, as of January 1, 2020, all health care providers, including nurses, in California are required by law to receive seasonal influenza, pertussis, and measles vaccines. This law affects all health care providers, including both licensed registered nurses and unlicensed staff, who provide direct patient care.
In addition, California licensed nurses must comply with their regulatory board’s requirements for immunization and must complete an immunization form.
It is the responsibility of the nurse to provide proof of immunization in the form of a statement from their healthcare provider indicating what immunizations were given and on what dates. The statement must also include the healthcare provider’s name and contact information.
Nurses must complete and submit the form before starting any healthcare work in California, and it is the nurse’s responsibility to make sure they stay up to date on all required immunizations. Failure to comply with the law will result in disciplinary action.
Is Hep B required for school in California?
No, Hepatitis B (Hep B) is not required for school in California. However, starting July 1, 2020, California schools will be required to offer the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides certain immunizations, including Hep B, at no cost to families.
The program also covers children without health insurance or whose insurance does not cover immunizations. Until then, students do not have to receive any of the vaccines included in the Vaccines for Children Program, such as Hep B, in order to attend school in California.
However, if you do choose to vaccinate, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children ages 0-18 years should receive the Hep B vaccine. In addition, the CDC also recommends that all adults born after 1956 should have a one-time dose of the Hep B vaccine, if they have not already done so.
Even if it is not required for school, it is important to protect your health by getting the Hep B vaccine if you have not already done so.