FDA Expands Pfizer Vaccine EUA for Ages 12-15 - Next Steps
On May 10, the FDA expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age. By mid-week, the next step is for the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to make its review, as well as the Western States Scientific Safety Review to independently review the FDA's expanded EUA related to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Upon their approval, the use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year olds may begin in California counties.
Stay Home After Travel – Especially after International Travel – Get Tested
It is recommend that you delay travel until you are fully vaccinated to reduce spreading COVID-19, particularly the variants. It is important if you aren’t fully vaccinated, that when you do travel:
- Stay home (self-quarantine) for 7 days after travel AND about 3-5 days after travel, get tested for COVID-19
- Even if you test negative, stay home for 7 days.
- If you don’t get tested, stay home for 10 days.
- Avoid being around people who are at risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
Find a number of free COVID-19 testing sites in Sacramento County.
Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator Awarded CESA Gold Award
Lynn Pesely, Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps (SMRC) coordinator has been awarded the Gold Award from the California Emergency Services Association (CESA). Pesely activated the SMRC in alignment with the March 2020 County Emergency Operations Center activation and has been a relentless champion of the countywide response efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her knowledge, skills, and leadership have become a bedrock against which all involved county departments, leaders and those in the community have come to lean upon. Pesely reflects the highest standards and traditions of the public safety community and proven herself a distinguished leader in the field. She will be honored during the May 2021 virtual CESA Annual Emergency Management Training and Conference.
CDPH Masking Update
CDPH issued the following statement by State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás Aragón, Director of CDPH, in response to today’s announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update masking guidance for fully vaccinated Americans: We have reviewed and support the CDC’s new masking recommendations and are working quickly to align California’s guidance with these common sense updates. While more than 50% of Californians 16+ are partially or fully vaccinated, many others are still not vaccinated, and the threat of variants remains. We continue to urge all eligible Californians to get vaccinated to help us move past this pandemic.
Sacramento County Public Health Agrees J&J Vaccine Use Should Resume
On April 23, 2021 the FDA and CDC lifted the recommended pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine following a thorough safety review. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also supported this recommendation. Sacramento County Public Health agrees that the vaccine is safe and providers should resume use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine to prevent the continued spread of the disease, severe disease, and deaths from COVID-19.
April 15, 2021 Public Health Order
Effective immediately, the April 15 Sacramento County Health Order has been released which reflects the changes and the alignment with the State of California restrictions and guidance for the Red Tier 2/Substantial in the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Included in the County’s Health Order:
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH) face covering mandate that requires all people to wear face coverings in public spaces in California unless exempt.
- Requirement for schools to abide by the CDPH Guidance for K-12 Schools and COVID-19 K-12 In-Person Instruction.
- Sports programs in Sacramento County must abide by the CDPH Outdoor and Indoor Youth and Recreational Adult Sports Guidance.
Read the SacCountyNews story for addtional information: New Sacramento County Health Order to Align with State
In-Person Public Meeting Guidance
The Sacramento County Health Officer established criteria for safely conducting public meetings. Boards, Councils, Commissions, and other bodies that conduct public meetings in Sacramento County may do so in-person with public attendance with COVID-19 mitigation measures. Read the SCPH Guidance for Public Meetings.
Travel Advisory Updated April 2, 2021
CDPH and the CDC recommend delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated, as air, bus or rail travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 particularly with more transmissable variants of the virus. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions — like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces in public places until more is known. Read the updated travel advisory and learn more about domestic travel during COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccination Survey Scams
Fake COVID-19 survey scams are being circulated to get your personal information. Currently, no post-vaccine surveys are being conducted by Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson via email or text message. Do not open the messages or provide any personal information, including credit card and/or bank information. Read the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Press Release: https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/hsi-partners-warn-consumers-covid-19-post-vaccine-survey-scam
Seasonal COVID-19 Guidance
Sacramento County has created COVID-19 guidance for spring. These, and much more can be found on EMD’s COVID-19 webpage. Please see the latest guidance below.
