As of Tuesday, June 8, the California Department of Public Healths vaccine dashboard showed about 46.9 million doses have been shipped throughout the state (about 700,000 more than a week ago) and of those, 38.6 million have been administered.
Vaccinations in California
According to Bloombergs dashboard tracking vaccine distribution, 58.1% of Californias population has received at least one shot and 44.9% of residents are fully vaccinated (up from 44.2% a week ago). California has the highest daily rate of doses administered in the country at 167,724, up from 163,850 a week ago). The second-highest rate belongs to Texas with 82,621. California was administering about 350,000 doses per day a five weeks ago.
Los Angeles (9.82 million), San Diego (3.53 million) and Orange (3.21 million) counties have administered the most doses to date in California.
Fully vaccinated by county
The chart below compiled by George Karbassis on the website ncovtrack.com shows the percentage of residents in each California county who have had at least one shot or are fully vaccinated. State, nation and world data is compiled on the site as well.
According to ncovtrack.com these are the percentages at which Southern California counties are fully vaccinated:
Los Angeles: 44.48%
San Diego: 49.32%
Orange: 45.71%
Riverside: 35.86%
San Bernardino: 32.78%
The map below is from the California Department of Public Healths COVID-19 vaccinations dashboard and shows vaccinations by ZIP code. Click on the image to go to the site. It may take a few minutes to load.
Vaccinations by age in California:
Data is update once a week on Wednesdays.
Tier assignments as of June 8
On April 6, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a plan to fully reopen Californias economy on June 15 if current COVID-19 trends hold. California would end its four-colored tier system at that point. Newsom has since said Californias mask mandate might be lifted on June 15 as well.
Until then, the state continues to make weekly adjustments to its tier system and, based on Tuesdays update changes take effect Wednesday none of Californias 58 counties remain in the purple tier (considered widespread risk). There will be three counties in the red tier (one less than a week ago); 31 counties in the orange tier (moderate risk, four less than week ago); and 24 in the yellow tier (minimal risk, five more than a week ago). There were just seven counties in the yellow tier five weeks ago.
On Nov. 24, the state had 41 counties in purple, 11 counties in red, four in orange, two in yellow.
Counties are assigned to a tier based on metrics showing the speed and the spread of the virus in their borders.
The states progression in tiers since Sept. 22:
Here are the California county vaccination totals as of June 8:
Here are the California county vaccination totals as of May 25:
Here are the California county vaccination totals as of May 4:
Sources: covid19ca.gov, California Department of Public Health, U.S. Census, U.S.D.A, California State Association of Counties
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1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have passed 173.6 million globally, according to Johns Hopkins University. The number of confirmed deaths stands at more than 3.73 million. More than 2.15 billion vaccination doses have been administered globally, according to Our World in Data.
Plans to ease restrictions in Melbourne, Australia, remain 'on track' Victorian state authorities have said.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said she'll get her first COVID-19 vaccine at the end of the week.
South Korea administered a record number of COVID-19 vaccine doses on Monday - 857,000 - as its rollout picks up speed.
India has reported a daily rise in new COVID-19 infections of 86,498 - the lowest figure in 66 days, according to a government statement.
Researchers in Denmark are using a virtual reality video game to encourage more COVID-19 vaccinations.
Ontario is set to begin loosening COVID-19 restrictions from Friday - 3 days ahead of schedule - as infection rates continue to lower.
The COVID Response Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship is a coalition of 85 global leaders, hosted by the World Economic Forum. Its mission: Join hands in support of social entrepreneurs everywhere as vital first responders to the pandemic and as pioneers of a green, inclusive economic reality.
Its COVID Social Enterprise Action Agenda, outlines 25 concrete recommendations for key stakeholder groups, including funders and philanthropists, investors, government institutions, support organizations, and corporations. In January of 2021, its members launched its 2021 Roadmap through which its members will roll out an ambitious set of 21 action projects in 10 areas of work. Including corporate access and policy change in support of a social economy.
For more information see the Alliance website or its impact story here.
2. Moderna seeks EU, Canadian approval for COVID-19 vaccine's use in teens
Moderna said yesterday that it had submitted applications to the European and Canadian health authorities for authorization to expand the use of its COVID-19 vaccination to adolescents.
It also said it plans to file for emergency use authorization with the United States Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies across the globe for its vaccine to be used in 12 to 17-year-olds.
The company's COVID-19 vaccine is already being used in the United States, EU and Canada in people over 18 years old - among other countries.
3. Vaccine inequality creating 'two-track pandemic'
We're increasingly seeing a 'two-track pandemic' the Director-General of the World Health Organization has warned.
"Many countries still face an extremely dangerous situation, while some of those with the highest vaccination rates are starting to talk about ending restrictions," Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a media briefing.
He also warned that the inequitable distribution of vaccines is allowing the virus to continue to spread, increasing the risk of a variant emerging that makes vaccines less effective.
"Inequitable vaccination is a threat to all nations, not just those with the fewest vaccines," he said.
Written by
Joe Myers, Writer, Formative Content
The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.
A week before California retires its color-coded pandemicreopening plan, Tulare County will remain in the orange tier.
Tulare County's COVID-19 current daily COVID-19 case rate is 1.5.per 100,000 residents, andthe positivity rate is 1.5%.The county scored 1.2% in the state's Healthy Place Index.
Tulare County's case rate has hovered between 2.6and 3.8cases per 100,000 for the past month, before dropping to the new low of 2.2 cases.To move to the least restrictive tier before June 15, Tulare County needed to test less than 2.0 daily new COVID-19cases per 100,000.
As of Tuesday, 28 of the states 58 counties were in the least-restrictive yellow tier,including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Twenty-sixcounties were one stage worse in the orange tier, including Tulare and the rest of the San Joaquin County.Just four counties remained in the most-restrictive red tier: Del Norte, Shasta, Stanislaus and Yuba.
Moving to the yellow tier would have allowed six days of relaxed restrictions such as indoor service resuming at bars and wineries, and more people allowed in movie theaters and gyms before the state fully reopens and every business drops its capacity limits and goes back to pre-COVID-19 pandemic ways.
On June 15, capacity limits and social distancing restrictions in most cases will be lifted at businesses, and the state will adopt federal recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on masks, meaning face coverings in mostpublic places won'tbe mandatory for fully vaccinated people.
However, masks will be recommended for eventsthat draw crowds of more than 5,000 indoors or more than 10,000 outdoors, according to CDPH. Masks will also be requiredon public transportation.
CDPHreported on Monday the states test positivity rate over the preceding week at 0.7%, tied with late May for Californias lowest reading in that key metric since the pandemic began.
State health officials on Monday also reported just more than1,000 patients hospitalized with confirmed cases of the virusand 219 in intensive care units, the fewest since the start of the pandemic.Deaths statewide, which at the height of the pandemic hit 680 a day, have fallen to18 a day, the slowest since the early days of the pandemic.
California has 18 million residents fully vaccinated against COVID-19with an additional 4 million partially vaccinated, CDPH said Monday. That meansabout 46% of Californias overall population are fully protected via vaccine and about 56% are at least partially vaccinated.
As of Tuesday,174,145 Tulare County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Vaccines are currently available only to those 12 and older, who make up about 34 million of the states 39.5 million residents. That means among eligible recipients, about 53% are fully vaccinated and 65% have had at least a first dose.
Since the pandemic started in March 2020, 49,813 Tulare County residents have been infected with COVID-19 and 848have died from complications of the virus.
Tulare County's total infection rates are fluctuating. Manyinfections have been recategorized after more complete testing. The county's total infection rate has topped and then retreated from 50,000 several times over the last few weeks.
James Ward covers entertainment, news, sports and lifestyles for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. Follow him on Twitter.Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month.Subscribe today.
Read or Share this story: https://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/story/news/2021/06/08/tulare-county-coronavirus-rates-improve-june-15-nears/7608109002/
Authorities have released a list of coronavirus hotspots and public exposure sites in Queensland visited by a confirmed case of Covid-19.
Here are the current coronavirus hotspots, Covid exposure sites, venues and case location alerts and what to do if youve visited them.
Close contacts quarantine and complete the contact tracing form
If you have been to this location in Queensland at the relevant times you must:
immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine
get tested at your earliest opportunity
complete the online contact tracing form by clicking on the name for the relevant location in the table below. A pop up window will appear with specific advice for that location and a link to the form.If you are unable to complete the contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268).
After you complete the contact tracing self-assessment you will be contacted by Queensland Health.
Buddina: Female toilet near JB Hi-Fi, Kawana Shoppingworld 119 Point Cartwright Dr, Monday 7 June 2021, 1pm-1.10pm
Buddina: Foodcourt, Kawana Shoppingworld 119 Point Cartwright Dr, Monday 7 June 2021, 1.30pm- 2pm
Baringa: Female toilets near IGA Baringa Whites Supa IGA 1 Edwards Terrace, Tuesday 8 June 2021, 4.05pm- 4.15pm
Caloundra: The Coffee Club Stockland Caloundra Shopping Centre, Shop 30 & 31, Stockland, 47 Bowman Rd, Monday 7 June 2021, Caloundra 10.50am-11.05am
Goondiwindi: McDonalds Goondiwindi, BP Complex Cunningham Hwy Goondiwindi, Saturday 5 June 2021, 7.35am-7.50am
Moffat Beach: Sunnys @ Moffat 10 Seaview Terrace, Saturday 5 June 2021, 2.35pm-3pm
Kings Beach: Coffee Cat on Kings Beach 4/8 Levuka Ave, Sunday 6 June 2021, 3.30pm-4.30pm
Casual contacts quarantine until you get a negative result
If you have been to any of the below locations at the relevant times you must:
Immediately travel by private transport directly to your home or accommodation and quarantine
Get tested at your earliest opportunity
Complete the online contact tracing form by clicking on the name for the relevant location in the table below. A pop up window will appear with specific advice for that location and a link to the form.If you are unable to complete the online contact tracing form please call 134 COVID (134 268). This information will allow Queensland Health to contact you if required
Continue to quarantine at home until you get a negative test result.
Baringa: IGA Baringa Whites Supa IGA, 1 Edwards Terrace, Tuesday 8 June 2021, 3.50pm - 4.10pm
Buddina: JB Hi-Fi - Kawana Shoppingworld, 119 Point Cartwright Dr, Monday 7 June 2021, 1.10pm - 1.30pm
Caloundra: Stockland Caloundra Shopping Centre, 47 Bowman Rd, Monday 7 June 2021, 10.45am - 11.30am
Caloundra: Kmart - Womens section - Stockland Caloundra Shopping CentreSunland S/C, Cnr Bowman Rd & First Ave, Monday 7 June 2021, 11am - 11.15am
Caloundra: Bunnings Caloundra: 54 Caloundra Rd, Monday 7 June 2021, 12.10pm - 12.45pm
Toowoomba: Caltex Super Petrol Station Toowoomba, A39 Highway, Saturday 5 June 2021, 11am - 11.15am
More detailed information is available at the Queensland government website.
Due to the unprecedented and ongoing nature of the coronavirus outbreak, this article is being regularly updated to ensure that it reflects the current situation at the date of publication. Any significant corrections made to this or previous versions of the article will be footnoted in line with Guardian editorial policy.
Many individuals usually adolescents, though also younger children and adults may experience fainting, dizziness, or nausea after a vaccination. While this experience may seem unsettling at the time, it is usually an anxiety-related reaction, sometimes called immunization anxiety or immunization stress-related response.
Blackouts, ringing in the ears, fainting, dizziness, hyperventilation, and nausea can be scary events, particularly if they occur after a vaccine. They may lead a person to worry that they are due to an allergic reaction or a side effect of the vaccine.
A recent report of cases of fainting after receiving the single-shot Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine has added to the worries that many people have around COVID-19 vaccinations.
However, upon analyzing these cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded that they did not occur in reaction to the vaccine itself. Instead, the CDC found that these are anxiety-related responses, which often occur after many different vaccines.
This conclusion was supported by the fact that approximately 25% of the people who had anxiety-related reactions after receiving the Janssen vaccine also reported similar reactions after other previous vaccinations.
During a talk given in May 2021, Dr. Tom Shimabukuro, deputy director of the Immunization Safety Office at the CDC, noted that [v]asovagal or presyncopal events thats fainting and dizziness or lightheadedness [are] actually fairly common after vaccination, as are anxiety-reactions like hyperventilating and increased heart rate.
The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to anxiety-related fainting and other reactions after a vaccine as immunization anxiety or immunization stress-related response.
WHO data published in 2016 suggest that [o]ccurrence of reactions was usually within the first 15 minutes of vaccination and involved mostly school-age children.
And data cited by the CDC indicate that as many as 62% of cases of anxiety-related fainting after vaccination occur among adolescents aged 1118 years. It is unclear how many adults experience immunization anxiety.
I assume that there is a substantial number of reports of fainting because weve had hundreds of thousands of reports [of side effects] and because weve had hundreds of millions of vaccine doses administered, said Dr. Shimabukuro.
This syncope, which is fainting, and presyncope, which is lightheadedness or dizziness, its quite common, and its more common in adolescents. I would expect to see more reports or hear more anecdotal reports of this happening as we move to vaccinate adolescents just because its more common in this age group than it is in older individuals.
Dr. Tom Shimabukuro
Usually, anxiety-related responses to vaccination occur around 510 minutes after inoculation. Occasionally, they may also happen just before vaccination, in anticipation of the shot.
These can include fainting or feeling faint, variations in heart rate, feeling nauseous or vomiting, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, and sweaty, clammy skin.
While some people may be aware they are feeling anxious or stressed before vaccination, not everyone who experiences a stress-related reaction will feel actively nervous before the shot.
To prevent these anxiety-related reactions, the WHO advises a careful organization of vaccination programs, at which people have access to full information about the vaccines at every step.
The WHO also suggests that primary responders should be available to intervene in the vaccination area, while vaccination settings should be organized so that they are not overheated and crowded. This way, prolonged standing is avoided, and individuals are offered privacy during vaccination.
What can an individual do to prepare in case of an anxiety-related reaction, though? The key is to stay calm and act on the symptoms.
Taking deep breaths, making sure they have lots of water and a snack to eat all of these can help a person prevent or fight feelings of faintness and lightheadedness.
Staying distracted by chatting to someone, playing a game on the phone, or listening to music before and after the vaccination can also help offset anxiety.
If a person does faint, they should remain in a lying down position as they come to, the WHO indicates.
Finally, it is important to remember that stress- or anxiety-related reactions to vaccines are more common than people might think, but they are ultimately harmless and short-lived.
Adolescents in a number of countries are or will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. To help parents and guardians prepare their teenagers and support them through their vaccination experience, Medical News Today sought tips from one of our in-house experts, Audrey Amos, Pharm.D, from Healthline Medias Medical Affairs Team.
Prior to the appointment, talk with the adolescent to understand their fears and discuss real or perceived risks, working together to identify anxiety-reducing aids and talking with a healthcare provider (if needed), Amos told us.
Develop a plan with the child so that they feel confident and fully informed of the process and are aware of all the safety measures in place. Fear of needles, in combination with the ongoing stress of the pandemic, are thought to be contributing factors to fainting after receiving the vaccine.
Audrey Amos, Pharm.D.
She recommended that children wear comfortable, loose clothing to make it easy to access the arm where the injection will take place.
Amos also added the following practical tips to consider ahead of heading to the vaccination appointment.
Have your child drink at least 500 millimeters of water approximately 30 minutes before they receive their vaccination to ensure they are hydrated. Additionally, eating a salty snack (pretzels, peanut butter crackers, etc.) before vaccination has been shown to help reduce syncope as well, she suggested.
In some instances, parents or caregivers could consult with a pediatrician ahead of the appointment.
If your child struggles with a severe needle phobia, talk with the childs doctor to determine whether a one-time dose of an anxiety medication might be appropriate if the anxiety is severe enough to prevent them from getting the vaccine, Amos explained.
When it comes to attending the appointment, parents or caregivers can support their children by employing a strategy that suits them as an individual.
Each child will be different, and the specific solutions that soothe them will be different as well. This could include listening to their headphones or watching a show on their iPad, having a specific support person there with them, squeezing a stress ball, etc. Amos said.
She also emphasized the importance of talking to children who have previously felt dizzy or fainted after receiving a vaccine, as there is a good chance that it could happen again.
If they previously had this experience and did not understand what happened, this could create more anxiety around receiving a vaccine and put them at greater risk for experiencing syncope again, Amos explained. This is why it is so important to talk with your child beforehand to validate their concerns and discuss signs of syncope so they can alert you to it if it occurs while they are being vaccinated.
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, contact a healthcare professional right away, as they can be a sign of a more serious reaction: chest pain, shortness of breath, low back pain, a racing heart, severe headache, speech, vision, or hearing problems, difficulties balancing or walking, or difficulty speaking, or syncope during physical activity.
Audrey Amos, Pharm.D.
For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.
Dr. Mark Goedecker and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Rein, are both family physicians and parents of two sons, Jack and Ben. As their sons have grown, Goedecker, WellSpan vice president and chief medical officer of primary care, and his wife, who is in private practice in Hanover, often have shared stories of how they work to keep patients healthy. Then COVID-19 hit, Goedecker said, and the stories changed. Our patients of many years were getting sick and dying of a disease that we had no way to stop.
When the COVID-19 vaccine became available, the couple saw it was a way out of the pandemic and a weapon they could use to help their patients. They shared stories of that with their sons as well. The boys could hear the excitement in our voices.
The boys then watched their parents and their grandparents get the vaccine, and saw it was safe and allowed the family to start to resume normal activities. When the vaccine was approved for use in kids ages 12 to 15, the boys asked, without hesitation, when they could get vaccinated.
They needed little encouragement and understood that COVID-19 is a bad disease, Goedecker said.
I talk with many parents who are trying to decide if they should vaccinate their children. While COVID-19 can be mild in children, it can cause severe illness and even death, he said. The vaccine provides the same or better level of protection to children than adults. Vaccinating children also decreases the chance that they will spread this horrible virus to someone they love.
Why did the Goedecker brothers decide to get vaccinated? We asked them. Here are their responses, in their own words.
Jack Goedecker: 15, sophomore at Delone Catholic High School. Ben Goedecker: 12, eighth grader at St. Joseph School.
Why I chose to get the vaccine: Jack: I got the vaccine because I do not want to risk getting COVID-19 or giving it to someone else. Ben: I chose to get the vaccine to be able to have a normal life again and to hang out with friends and family safely without a mask.
What am I looking forward to: Jack: I am looking forward to not having to wear a mask in some places when I am fully vaccinated. Ben: I am looking forward to hanging out with my friends more when I am fully vaccinated.
What I would say to someone who has not yet gotten vaccinated: Jack: There is no reason not to get the vaccine. Ben: You should get the vaccine so you can be safe from COVID-19 and go back to your normal life.
To schedule your vaccine, gohere.
(CNN) How travel will look in the near future is the question on everyone's lips, and as Europe begins to reopen its borders to travelers from outside the continent, the European Union has announced the launch of its EU Digital Covid Certificate -- set to allow freedom of movement around the bloc.
Already, nine countries are using the scheme to issue certificates, with more expected to join before the scheme officially launches on July 1. The EU's Parliament voted overwhelmingly to approve the scheme on June 9.
"The EU will be on time to open up again this summer," said Thierry Breton, commissioner for internal market, in a statement.
So who is eligible for the certificate, and how do you get it? Here's what to know.
What is it?
This is what will hopefully be opening up travel within Europe this summer, and easing the pressure on travelers for multiple testing. Currently, travel between two EU countries and you'll have to meet each of their individual rules for entry -- which might mean daily testing if you're driving through, or taking the train around the continent.
The certificate, however, will log three things: the holder's vaccination record, negative tests, or a record of previous infection -- which should make travel easier.
It'll be valid in all EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland is also looking likely.
Is this the same as the EU Covid vaccine passport?
Yes -- it's the EU-wide scheme for travel within the bloc. Also known as an "immunity pass" or "health pass," although the EU Digital Covid Certificate is the official (and more bland) name.
Is it a digital or a paper certificate?
That'll be up to the holder -- you can choose from either. Both will contain a "digitally signed QR code" which can be scanned on entry to a country. It'll be both in the national language of the country issuing it, plus English. Member states have agreed on a common design.
How does it work?
Each issuing body has been allocated a digital signature, which is embedded in the QR code; border staff will scan the QR code to see the data, although no personal data will be seen -- nor will personal data of the holder go through the gateway which nations are using to verify signatures.
When does it start?
The scheme officially starts July 1, with member states being allowed an additional six weeks if they need. However, with European countries vying for visitors, it looks doubtful there'll be any stragglers. In fact, nine member states are already issuing certificates.
Note that the European Parliament still must vote on the scheme to make it law, but it's expected to pass by a large majority.
The scheme has been in the planning process since March, and was provisionally agreed on May 20. The EU Gateway went live on June 1 -- it allows certificates to be verified across borders.
Which countries are using it?
As of June 8, there are nine EU member states signed up: Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Lithuania, Poland and Spain. Expect others to join before too long -- countries which rely on tourism are trying to lure tourists back before their rivals. Already 22 countries have successfully tested the gateway, according to the European Commission.
Who is eligible?
A Fiumicino airport employee displays a "Smart-Helmet" portable thermoscanner to screen passengers and staff for COVID-19, on May 5, 2020 at Rome's Fiumicino airport.
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/AFP via Getty Images
EU citizens and their families, and legal residents, according to the official word so far.
The UK is also reported to have been in negotiations. Travelers from the UK are not yet exempt from EU-wide restrictions, because of the Delta variant, first found in India, and now dominant in the UK.
The EU has also said that it is "working to make sure that the certificates can be compatible with systems in other countries," for holders traveling outside the bloc.
Do I need to be vaccinated to get it?
No. The certificate will also store recent recovery from Covid-19, as well as negative test results -- including lateral flow, as well as PCR.
Do I need to be fully vaccinated?
Not necessarily -- the certificate will log whether you've had one or two doses. It's up to individual member states to decide whether the certificate is acceptable with just one.
Does which vaccination I received affect the certificate?
Yes. Only vaccines approved for use in the EU count -- so if Sinovac or Sputnik V, for example, wouldn't count. At least, that's the bloc-wide rule; individual countries can tweak the rules.
Currently, the EU has approved AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
How many people have already got it?
More than one million people had already signed up by Tuesday, according to the European Commission.
Is there a charge for it?
No, it's free. Make sure you get it through the official channels -- doubtless spurious sites are already being built to get you your certificate for a fee. The EU has also promised that the certificates will be easily obtainable.
How do I get the certificate?
Individual countries will issue their own certificates, whether via a portal, through health authorities or at test centers. Expect more information to be announced nearer to launch.
Can I definitely move freely with it, or are there extra country-specific restrictions?
The EU has said that holders "should in principle be exempted from free movement restrictions," and asked that member states "refrain from imposing additional restrictions" on holders "unless they are necessary and proportionate to safeguard public health" -- for example if a new variant causes concern. States wishing to enforce new restrictions must justify their decision to EU authorities.
Travellers shows their documents to a border police officer at the immigration desk of Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle international airport, on February 1, 2021.
Christophe Archambault/AFP/Getty Images
Of course, that doesn't stop them from imposing extra restrictions on those without the passes.
Are countries operating their own schemes?
Each country will run its own scheme, under the umbrella of the European scheme.
Do I need an app?
Most likely. The EU isn't producing a single app; countries must sort out their own system.
How secure is it?
The EU says that information stored in certificate QR codes can be verified "without the processing of personal data." Although the certificate itself contains data including name, date of birth and vaccine/recovery dates, it is not seen when being verified, or stored in other states. Only the valid digital signature will be checked.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) Pfizer announced it is expanding testing of its COVID-19 vaccine in a bigger group of children under the age of 12, enrolling about 4,500 kids at sites across the U.S., Finland, Poland and Spain.
Enrollment of 5- to 11-year-olds began this week. They will receive two vaccine doses of 10 micrograms each, which is one-third of the teen and adult doses.
Squirrel Hill mom Ilanit Helfand has two daughters, ages 8 and 6. Helfand said the masks will stay close by until her kids can roll up their sleeves.
We definitely plan on getting them vaccinated as soon as we can, said Helfand.
Until that happens, staying safe is a top priority.
We are definitely being very cautious and not doing all the things we normally would have if everyone in our family is vaccinated, said Helfand.
Doctors at UPMC said its a step in the right direction.
I fully expect children in that 5 to 11 group will do exceptionally well with a vaccine, and what that means is it will be safe for them. It will protect them and everyone around them, UPMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Don Yealy.
However, until a shot is available for this age group, the state advises parents to stay vigilant as we head into the summer months.
Its important to talk to your kids about realities. Try to get outside in the summer, but its important to keep your mask on in interacting with anyone who might be unvaccinated, said Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Meg Snead.
The state recommends families follow CDC guidelines with any questions or concerns.
Pfizer hopes it will be able to submit the vaccine for potential emergency use authorization to the FDA sometime in the fall.
NEW YORK (WKBW) New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday the state will open 11 pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites in areas where data shows the vaccination rate is significantly lower than the statewide average.
NEW YORK CITYProspect Plaza Community Center1835 Sterling PlaceBrooklyn, NYOpen: Saturday, June 12
Challenge Charter Middle School12-79 Redfern AvenueFar Rockaway, NYOpen: Saturday, June 12
SAGE Crotona Senior Center1794 Prospect AvenueBronx, NYOpen: Thursday, June 10
CAPITAL REGIONCoeyman's Hollow Volunteer Fire House, 1290 NY-143Coeyman's Hollow, NYOpen: Thursday, June 10
SOUTHERN TIERWindsor Fire Department4 Academy StreetWindsor, NYOpen: Saturday, June 12
FINGER LAKESGreater Harvest Baptist Church12 Driving Park AvenueRochester, NYOpen: Friday, June 11
CENTRAL NEW YORKAssumption Church812 N Salina StreetSyracuse, NYOpen: Wednesday, June 9
WESTERN NEW YORKNorthwest Community Center155 Lawn AvenueBuffalo, NYOpen: Friday, June 11
LONG ISLANDSmith Point County Park1 William Floyd ParkwayShirley, NYOpen: Friday, June 11
Roosevelt Library27 West Fulton AvenueRoosevelt, NYOpen: Thursday, June 10
MID-HUDSONMartin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center110 Bethune BlvdSpring Valley, NYOpen: Saturday, June 12
The state says it will expand the program and open additional sites in the coming weeks.
The governor also announced Monday most remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted when New York's vaccination rate reaches 70%. You can find more information here.
"Our progress on vaccinations has been instrumental in making it possible to reopen our economy and lift many of the restrictions, but the vaccination rate has slowed dramatically and we need to focus on the places that have low vaccination rates," Governor Cuomo said. "Pop-up sites have been critical in helping us reach more New Yorkers with the vaccine, and with these 11 new sites we are redeploying our resources and working with local health departments across the state to target the areas that continue to lag on vaccinations. The vaccine is safe and effective -- and if we want to defeat this virus, we need to get more New Yorkers vaccinated as quickly as possible."
The EEOC recently updated its guidance related to the intersection of employment discrimination laws and COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition to further defining the scope of lawful vaccination incentives, the update clarifies that, subject to certain caveats, employers can: (1) mandate COVID-19 vaccines for employeesand (2) ask employees to disclose their vaccination status. The update provides employers with helpful context for assessing workplace policies related to COVID-19. At the same time, it calls for continued consideration of the impact of COVID-19 vaccinations on workplace safety and compliance.
Employers may require employees to be vaccinated.
Affirming our prior analysis, the EEOC now explicitly states that federal employment laws permit an employer to mandate that all employees physically entering the workplace to be vaccinated for COVID-19. However, employers must still comply with the reasonable accommodation provisions of applicable lawsnamely, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII.
Employers should be mindful of that fact that some individuals or groups face greater obstacles to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and are more likely to be negatively impacted by a vaccine requirement. Additionally, employers must pay careful attention to state and local laws, which may place additional restrictions on workplace vaccination requirements.
Employers must reasonably accommodate employees unable or unwilling to be vaccinated due to their disability or religion.
Under the ADA, employers must accommodate employees with a disability that prevents them from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, unless the accommodation poses an undue hardship. An employer cannot require compliance for such an employee unless it demonstrates that the unvaccinated employee would pose a direct threat to the health and safety of the employee or others in the workplace.
A direct threat determination requires employers to make an individualized assessment. The update provides real-world factors for employers to consider in making such a determination: (1) the duration of the risk; (2) the nature and severity of the potential harm; (3) the likelihood that a particular harm will occur; (4) the imminence of the potential harm; and (5) the type of work environment. In assessing the type of work environment, employers may consider factors such as: (1) whether the employee works alone or with others; (2) whether the employee works inside or outside; (3) the available ventilation; (4) the frequency and duration of direct interaction the employee typically has with other employees and/or non-employees; (5) the number of partially vaccinated individuals in the workplace; (6) whether other employees are wearing masks or undergoing routine screening tests; and (7) the space available for social distancing.
The determination should be based on a reasonable medical judgment that relies on the most current medical knowledge about COVID-19 which may include: (1) the level of community threat at the time of assessment; (2) statements from the CDC; (3) the employees health care provider, with the employees consent.
If the assessment shows that an unvaccinated employee with a disability poses a direct threat to self or others, employers must consider whether providing a reasonable accommodation, absent undue hardship, would reduce or eliminate that threat. Employers may rely on CDC recommendations when deciding whether there is an effective accommodation available that would not pose an undue hardship. As for potential reasonable accommodations, EEOC offers the following non-exclusive examples:
[R]equiring the employee to wear a mask, work a staggered shift, making changes in the work environment (such as improving ventilation systems or limiting contact with other employees and non-employees), permitting telework if feasible, or reassigning the employee to a vacant position in a different workspace.
Under Title VII, employers must provide employees, who sincerely hold a religious belief, practice, or observance that prevents them from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, with a reasonable accommodation, unless the accommodation poses an undue hardship. A religious accommodation request from an employee who wishes to wait until an alternative version or specific brand of COVID-19 vaccine becomes available should be processed according to the same standards applicable to other requests for accommodation set forth above. Employers must engage in an interactive process to find a reasonable accommodation and should thoroughly consider all possibilities, including telework and reassignment. Employers may rely on CDC recommendations when deciding whether there is a reasonable accommodation available.
The definition of religion under Title VII is broad and the EEOC suggests that employers should ordinarily assume that an employees request for religious accommodation is based on a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance. However, if an employee requests a religious accommodation, and an employer is aware of facts that provide an objective basis for questioning either the religious nature or the sincerity of a particular belief, practice, or observance, the employer would be justified in requesting additional supporting information.
Employers must be prepared to handle exemption requests from employees unable or unwilling to be vaccinated due to pregnancy.
Employers may require pregnant employees to be vaccinated. Under Title VII, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, pregnant employees may seek job adjustments or request exemptions from a COVID-19 vaccination requirement. A pregnant employee may also be entitled to a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. Employers must be sure that a pregnant employee is not discriminated against as compared to other employees with a similar ability or inability to work. This means pregnant employees unable or unwilling to get vaccinated may be entitled to job modifications (including telework), changes to work schedules or assignments, and leave, to the extent such modifications are provided for other similarly situated employees.
Employers must reasonably accommodate fully-vaccinated employees at heightened risk.
The update introduces a new type of accommodation request involving an employee who is fully vaccinated for COVID-19 but who requests an accommodation based on a continuing concern for heightened risk of severe illness from a COVID-19 infection. For example, fully vaccinated individuals who are immunocompromised may need reasonable accommodations, since the vaccine may not offer them the same level of protection as others.
These requests should be handled in accordance with applicable ADA standards, where an employer engages in an interactive process to determine whether there is a disability-related need for reasonable accommodation. This process typically includes seeking information from the employees health care provider with the employees consent explaining why an accommodation is needed. If there is a demonstrated need, employers must explore potential reasonable accommodations that are available absent undue hardship.
Employers must keep information about an employees COVID-19 vaccination confidential.
The EEOC previously advised that an employers request self-disclosure of vaccination status by employees or documentation or other confirmation of vaccination status from a third party is not a medical examination or disability-related inquiry. Therefore, such a request does not run afoul of the ADA or the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA).
Despite this position, the update makes clear that the confidentiality requirement for employee medical information found in the ADA applies to documentation or other confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination. Employers must keep this in mind when faced with requests for disclosure of employee vaccination status from co-workers, customers, or other third parties. While federal employment laws do not prevent employers from requesting or requiring employees to provide documentation or other confirmation of vaccination, this new guidance confirms that such information must be kept confidential and must be stored separately from the employee personnel files.
Keep in mind that information collected by employers administering vaccines to employees may be subject to additional confidentiality requirements under the law. Employers administering vaccinesor contracting with third parties to administer vaccinesto employees should consult with counsel to determine whether they may be subject to additional federal or state law obligations.
Conclusion
Employers should continue to refer toCDC protocolsand EEOC guidance in determining reasonable accommodations in order to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. As always, employers should consider seeking counsel prior to implementing a vaccination policy or excluding an employee from the workplace because of refusal to be vaccinated.
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