Provider-Bulletin-2-12-21 Provider Bulletin

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ā€‹ā€‹Nā€‹ote: This webpage is no longer current and is for historical purposes only. See the CDPH COVID-19 Vaccine landing page for the latest information.

Provider Bulletin

May 12, 2021
ā€‹

ā€‹To: All vaccinators and local health departments 

From: California Department of Public Health


We thank you for your tremendous work to vaccinate Californians. 

This bulletin is meant to update you on current guidance for distributing vaccine.

Vaccine Prioritization (as vaccine supply allows)

  1. Currently vaccines may be distributed to populations identified in Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tier 1.  

  2. Healthcare providers may use their clinical judgement to vaccinate individuals age 12-64 who are deemed to be at the very highest risk for morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 as a direct result of one or more of the following severe health conditions, and individuals in specified settings are eligible to be vaccinated due to increased risk, as specified in this provider bulletin:

  • Cancer, current with debilitated or immunocompromised state

  • Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or above

  • Chronic pulmonary disease,  oxygen dependent

  • Down syndrome

  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant

  • Pregnancy

  • Sickle cell disease

  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies (excludes hypertension)

  • Severe obesity (Body Mass Index ā‰„ 40 kg/m2)

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hemoglobin A1c level greater than 7.5%

OR

If as a result of a developmental or other severe high-risk disability one or more of the following applies:

  • 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

OR

Update on March 11, 2021: Individuals who reside or work in a high risk congregate residential setting, such as an incarceration/detention facility, homeless shelter, or behavioral health facility, as these settings are high risk for outbreaks and have a concentration of individuals with high risk chronic health conditions. This includes all people experiencing homelessness, who are at risk of transitioning into congregate settings at short notice. 


OR


Update on March 11, 2021: Public transit/airport and commercial airlines. Public transit workers, including airport and commercial airline workers (but not private airplanes) will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. They are at high risk for occupational exposure and maintaining continuity of transportation operations is critical.


OR


Beginning April 1, 2021, individuals age 50-64 years old will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

Beginning April 15, 2021, every Californian age 16 and older will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

Beginning May 12, 2021, every Californian age 12 and older will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccine clinic volunteers are eligible for vaccination if they complete at least one clinic shift and are approved by the clinicā€™s organizer.


The list of eligible conditions is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as CDPH obtains and analyzes additional state-specific data.

This provider bulletin is meant to clarify and update California's vaccine administration prioritization policy.  It may be updated periodically to aid all vaccinators as the state moves through its efforts to vaccinate all eligible populations and as supplies increase over time. 

Thank you for your partnership and work to protect Californians during the pandemic.

Related Guidance from Other Departments 

Originally published on February 12, 2021