TO: All Employees
FR: Joyce Lopes, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration and Finance, and Missy Brunetta, Director for Emergency Services and Associate Risk Manager
Campus Community,
We write to you today to share important information in our county’s efforts to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. As the county continues to see an increase in COVID-19 cases, the focus is on vaccinating our most vulnerable populations.
Sonoma County Vaccination Efforts
Sonoma County Public Health officials continue to prioritize vaccinations in line with state guidelines. There is much work to be done towards combating the COVID-19 pandemic in our community, and vaccination efforts continue to increase as supply increases nationwide. More information about the Sonoma County vaccination rollout is available online.
SSU Employee Vaccinations
Late afternoon on Friday, January 29, SSU’s Office of Emergency Services notified SSU employees age 65 and older that they would be eligible to receive the vaccine beginning February 1 per the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) vaccine distribution plan. However, several hours later, county Public Health officials reprioritized these vaccines slated for education employees to persons age 75 and older in Sonoma County. We promptly notified those who received the initial notice of the change in vaccine availability. Currently, all persons age 75 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine in Sonoma County.
This change will delay the rollout of the vaccines for education sector employees. SSU continues to partner with SCOE to get our campus employees and other county educators vaccinated as quickly as possible. SCOE plans to return to their phased approach for education sector employees as soon as vaccine supplies are available.
Student Vaccinations
The Student Health Center (SHC) is distributing COVID-19 vaccines to students in phases according to California's COVID-19 Vaccine Plan and as supply allows. The SHC is currently vaccinating only students eligible under Phase 1a, which includes healthcare workers and those age 75 and older. Phase 1b, eligibility will be opening soon and will include childcare workers, those with on-site placements in schools, and those age 65 and older.
Students wishing to be vaccinated through the SHC should send a secure message through their My Health Portal indicating their interest in adding their name to the list. If the SHC does not have enough vaccine supply on hand, eligible students will be directed to community vaccination sites with referrals from the University.
MyTurn Notification System
The State of California Department of Public Health has launched a new notification system called MyTurn. A tool where anyone can check to see if they’re eligible to receive the vaccine and receive a notification via text or email when it’s your turn for a vaccine. MyTurn is also where you can find out if it's your turn to get vaccinated and schedule vaccination appointments. If it isn't your turn yet, you can register to be notified when you become eligible. Register your email or phone number today.
What’s Next?
SSU’s Office of Emergency Services staff continues to partner with our local partners to provide access to the vaccine to our campus community as soon as possible. We will continue to keep our campus community informed as more information becomes available. Employees with questions about the vaccination plan or other information should contact the Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, you may find FAQs, information, and resources about the COVID-19 vaccine on the County of Sonoma website at SoCoEmergency.
Stay safe and well, Seawolves.