SCC Public Health Department Update

From the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department

Vaccine Branch, Emergency Operations Center

Santa Clara County leads the way on COVID-19 vaccination, with one of the highest vaccination rates of any large county in any state in the country. Many people take advantage of the availability of COVID-19 vaccine at large community sites here. However, some patients continue to express the desire to wait until their own doctor can provide the vaccine and discuss concerns they have about the vaccine. Surveys have shown that people trust their own doctor to help them to make important decisions about their health, and especially about COVID-19 vaccination.

Enroll as a vaccine provider

Physicians can now easily enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider. You can further protect your patients, patients’ families, and our community by offering COVID-19 vaccines in your practice.

It is easier than you think. Vaccine management requirements have changed a bit in recent months, as manufacturers and the federal government have learned more about what is required to protect the vaccine and what is not. Vaccine supply and support are available. COVID-19 vaccine providers must enroll in some state systems, including CAIR2 and myCAVax: https:// mycavax.cdph.ca.gov/s/. The County can provide free vaccine upon request to providers who have completed all of the enrollment processes. More information is available on the County’s webpage for vaccine providers.

Promote vaccination with every patient

National surveys strongly indicate that the public wants to hear from their own doctors about the COVID-19 vaccine. More than sports stars, clergy, politicians, or other influencers - doctors are the most trusted messengers of vaccine information for many people. All physicians – from primary care doctors, to family medicine practitioners, to specialists, and emergency room doctors – have an opportunity and a responsibility to help patients with their questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

With high COVID-19 case numbers looming throughout the world, please help your patients understand the value of the vaccine and its role in stopping the pandemic. Pockets of unvaccinated people remain vulnerable in our own local communities. Many may not be at high risk for severe virus symptoms, but of course there is still a risk of acute or long-term health impacts from the virus.

Please make a point to recommend COVID-19 vaccination in every visit to all of your patients aged 12 and older who do not have contraindications.

During patient visits, make the COVID-19 vaccine a new vital sign. Ask every patient, or their parents or guardians, what their vaccination plan is. For those that are unsure, discuss their concerns and try to answer any questions they might have.

Share educational material widely, including posting posters and flyers in waiting rooms, staff break rooms, and common areas. You can also public information on your website, including a way for people to contact you with questions.

Consider sending a letter or email to your patients, especially your unvaccinated patients. Provide facts, refer them to additional resources, and offer to answer questions. You are the most influential vaccine communicator.

Coadministration

There is other good news. The CDC and the California Department of Public Health no longer require patients to wait two weeks between COVID-19 vaccination and any other type of vaccination. Physicians can now provide COVID-19 vaccination as part of their regular office visits. Pediatricians and family medicine practitioners are encouraged to offer COVID-19 vaccination at Back To School visits and sports physicals, along with other routine childhood immunizations. Adults can also receive indicated vaccine along with a COVID-19 vaccination.

Additional information regarding vaccines can be found on the County’s COVID-19 website at sccFreeVax.org. A number of languages are available, including Spanish at sccVacuna.org.