ANR employees and vaccine availability
As the state, county, and other providers continue to increase distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, information and guidance about allocation of vaccines and how to get vaccinated is evolving. At this time, most areas of the state are in Phase 1B of the vaccine strategy, meaning that as supplies allow, vaccines are being provided for the following groups: Individuals 65 or older and workers in the following sectors: Agriculture and food, Education and childcare, Emergency services.
Based on the state's current vaccination strategy, entities such as UC will not receive vaccine that is exclusively dedicated for employees. Rather, UC's vaccination efforts on some campuses and medical centers will focus on patients and members of the larger community who are eligible under the current guidelines. For UC ANR employees, if you are working in the field or in-person in agriculture, food, or education, you may be eligible now for vaccine through various providers in your community. When you are eligible, if you live close to a campus, you might get vaccinated there, or at any other local provider that is accepting vaccination appointments.
There are a few different ways to keep up to date on vaccine availability in your area and your eligibility based on personal factors:
- CDPH MyTurn (https://myturn.ca.gov/) click on “Check my eligibility” and answer a few questions to determine if you are eligible and can make an appointment. You can also register to be alerted when your turn comes to receive the vaccination.
- CDC Vaccine Finder (https://vaccinefinder.org/): enter your ZIP code and find providers near you. The provider will ask a few questions to determine your eligibility.
- Your local public health department website: search on Google for “COVID vaccine ___ county” (inserting your county name) to find options and details in your community.
- Your healthcare provider: check the website or call your healthcare provider to find out if they are administering the vaccine and when you will be eligible.
For best results, check these sources every few days – appointments can open up as providers are given their allocation of vaccine doses. This usually occurs on Thursday or Friday each week for the following week.
When you do get the vaccine, make sure to hold on to your “COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card” – you will need it later to document that you have been vaccinated. Please do not send a copy of your card to your supervisor or anyone until requested by UC ANR administration. In compliance with UC policy, we may need you to provide a copy of your vaccination record card, but we will only do so in a process that is secure and maintains your privacy.
We are also maintaining information on the UC ANR COVID-19 website http://ucanr.edu/covid19vaccine, including links to more information about the vaccine. Check back periodically for updated tips and guidance.
Resources to share vaccination information with clientele
To help ANR personnel communicate with clients and community members about the vaccine, we have compiled reference links on COVID-19 myths and facts, guidance from public health authorities, sample slides to include with presentations and messaging for email signatures and/or newsletter footers. Visit http://ucanr.edu/covid19.
Brian Oatman
Director, Risk & Safety Services