LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COVID19 VACCINES

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness.html

WHAT COVID19 VACCINES ARE APPROVED IN THE UNITED STATES?
As of March 1, 2021, there are three vaccines with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) commonly known as Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. Below is a comparison table identifying the Strategy, Efficacy, Dosage, and Side Effects of each vaccine. Learn more about the vaccines from the CDC.

IS THE COVID19 VACCINE SAFE?

First, it is important to know that the COVID19 vaccines do not cause the disease COVID19. The goal of the vaccines is to teach our immune system how to fight the coronavirus that causes the disease COVID19. The three vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization for only adults and older teens (not children) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA’s high safety standards are globally recognized, and the safety of COVID19 vaccines will continually be monitored to ensure even very rare side effects are identified.

HOW DO THE COVID19 VACCINES WORK?

Think of your immune system like an Emergency Preparedness Plan: BE AWARE, BE PREPARED, BE READY. Vaccines work with your immune system by making your body aware and prepared for the potential virus so that your body will be ready to fight the virus if exposed. It does this by prompting an immune response to a part of the virus – a specific protein code on the spikes of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine prepares your body to build its own arsenal of germ fighting white blood cells called B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes. Once your own white blood cells defeat the vaccine-specific protein code, your body remains prepared by keeping a “memory” supply of these particular B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes, so that if you become exposed to the real virus, your body is ready to fight.

You should know that sometimes, after vaccination, the process of building the immune response can cause symptoms, such as pain at the injection site and fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. Also, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes after vaccination. So, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID19 just before or just after vaccination, and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection.

ONLINE RESOURCES

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPT

Recorded information line: 805-681-4373
Santa Barbara County Call Center: 833-688-5551
(Staffed Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM)

COVID Testing: https://publichealthsbc.org/testing/
COVID Vaccine: https://publichealthsbc.org/covid-19-vaccine-information-2/
COVID Health Orders: https://publichealthsbc.org/health-officer-orders/
COVID Dashboards: https://publichealthsbc.org/data/

VENTURA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPT

COVID Testing: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/coronavirus-testing/
COVID Vaccine: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/vaccine-information/
COVID Health Orders: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/public-health-orders/
COVID Dashboards: https://www.venturacountyrecovers.org/

CALIFORNIA DEPT OF PUBLIC HEALTH

COVID State Alerts & Orders: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx
COVID Vaccine: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/COVID-19Vaccine.aspx
COVID Dashboards: https://covid19.ca.gov/data-and-tools/
Blueprint for a Safer Economy: https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/

OTHER AGENCIES

• San Luis Obispo County
• US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
• World Health Organization

PROTECT YOURSELF & LOVED ONES

We know that COVID-19 spreads person-to-person, through close contact via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects. As with other respiratory illnesses like the cold and flu, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from germs and viruses.

FACTS ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINES

To stop this pandemic, we need to use all of our prevention tools. Vaccines are one of the most eﬀective tools to protect your health and prevent disease. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fght the virus, if you are exposed (also called immunity). Other steps, like wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth and staying at least 6 feet away from other people you don’t live with, also help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Click on the flyer to learn more facts about the COVID-19 vaccines.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19

Typical symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and fatigue. If you develop symptoms, please call your physician. If you are going to see your doctor, call ahead so that precautions may be taken prior to your arrival.

Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 seeking care at a hospital emergency department, please call ahead if possible, or stop outside the emergency entrance and call the phone number provided at the entrance doors. A staff member will provide a properly fitted mask and assist with protected entry to avoid exposure to others.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

CA NOTIFY: NEW SMART PHONE TOOL DESIGNED TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF COVID 19

Starting December 10, 2020 a new digital tool called CA Notify, will help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and be available to smartphone users. Upon its launch, Californians can opt in to receive COVID-19 notifications informing them if they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus. CA Notify is a digital tool that protects privacy and security – it does not collect device location to detect exposure and does not share a user’s identity. The tool was developed in partnership with Google and Apple and piloted with the help of the University California, San Diego and the University of California, San Francisco.

MORE: https://publichealthsbc.org/covid19/new-smart-phone-tool-designed-to-slow-the-spread-of-covid-19/

CA NOTIFY: https://canotify.ca.gov/

CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH COVID-19

For those who are caregivers of family members who have the flu or COVID-19, it is important to protect yourselves as well. Please review the "COVID-19 Recommendations for Family and Caregivers" guidance from the CDC.

BEYOND COVID-19

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Whether it's a public health emergency like COVID19 or natural disasters like wildfires, Californians have embraced a culture of preparedness. Have you packed your Emergency Go-Bag? Food, water, cash and medications are just some of the items to consider. Plan now to be ready for the next disaster.