By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press. [P360P]
As California marks the one-year anniversary of the state's first administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Gavin Newsom said that as winter progresses, it is imperative to continue vaccination efforts in the state, as they have proven to save lives.
And since vaccination began in the country, California has led the statistics by having administered more doses than any other state with 62.7 million doses.
So far, 86 percent of all eligible Californians have received at least one dose and more than 6 million adults have received a booster.
"California has led the nation's fight against COVID-19 through robust vaccination efforts based on ?...science and data. This has helped stop the spread of the virus and saved countless lives, especially in our most vulnerable communities," Governor Newsom wrote.
In a statement, he said it is critical to keep our immunity strong, "not only for ourselves, but for our communities... Californians have met every challenge with vigor and courage, and together, we will continue to lead the nation in the fight against COVID-19.
Amid an increase in SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission since Thanksgiving, Governor Newsom urged all eligible Californians to get vaccinated and receive their booster, as well as continue to take steps to protect themselves and stop the spread of the virus.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved boosters for people 16 years and older who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago, for people 18 years and older who received the Moderna vaccine at least six months ago, and for people 18 years and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
Over the past year, California has launched the nation's first vaccination measures, including requiring workers in health care settings to be fully vaccinated, adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of required inoculations for face-to-face school attendance.
In addition, a standard will be implemented for all school staff and state workers to show proof of full immunization or be tested at least once a week, Newsom said.
He also noted that the state has partnered with more than 130 faith-based organizations and 700 community-based organizations, which have helped close immunization equity gaps in hard-to-reach communities.
These organizations, he said, have served as trusted messengers at the local level, providing direct assistance with appointments, vaccination up to the doorstep, and targeted outreach and transportation services to build confidence in vaccines, encouraging more Californians to get immunized.
With COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations on the rise, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued updated guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
Thus, beginning this December 15, the state requires that face masks be worn in all indoor public settings, regardless of specific vaccination status, until January 15, 2022, at which time California will make further recommendations as needed in response to the pandemic.
CDPH also updated the requirements for attending mega events ? over 1,000 people ? and issued a new travel advisory.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 vaccine and its boosters are free to all Californians, regardless of insurance and immigration status.
Residents can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255 to make an appointment or find a walk-in clinic, or get more information.
You may be interested in: Third dose of Pfizer vaccine effective against Mycorrhizal varianton
