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Author: publichealthsb

Santa Barbara County to begin vaccinations for 65+ on February 16
Feb 15, 2021

Santa Barbara County to begin vaccinations for 65+ on February 16

By Dr. Henning Ansorg, M.D., FACP, Health Officer County of Santa Barbara, Department of Public Health

Beginning February 16, Santa Barbara County will expand the vaccine eligibility to Phase 1b, Tier 1.  Due to the large number of eligible recipients in this phase and the very short vaccine supply, the Public Health Department has to roll out this phase in an incremental way. We will start with persons who are age 65 and older, followed by persons working in the sectors of Education/Childcare, Emergency Services, Food and Agriculture as soon as more vaccine becomes available.

Please understand that due to the short supply of vaccines, appointments for vaccinations will be very limited at this point.

Just under 6,000 doses of vaccine are expected to arrive in Santa Barbara County next week, the vast majority of which are slated for second doses. Approximately 11,000 second doses will be administered in the next two weeks. Santa Barbara County currently has over 40,000 residents between the ages of 65-74 years old. Appointments will likely become available through health care providers and pharmacies, before they become available at Public Health vaccination sites.

As there is a limited supply of the vaccine, health care providers including primary care doctors and hospitals are notifying patients on appointment availability when supply exists.

People may also sign up for vaccine updates and information from the county here.

These next few weeks will be a time of transition for vaccine distribution. Santa Barbara County will be switching to a new sign up platform MyTurn.ca.gov and to the new State-run distribution process through Blue Shield. Both will come into effect for Santa Barbara County after March 14.

In the meantime, several new vaccination opportunities are becoming available using additional direct vaccine supply distribution by the Federal Government to some local pharmacies and to our Community Health Care Centers and County Health Clinics.

For information about the COVID-19 vaccine and countywide availability, please visit www.publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/ or call 2-1-1 and press “4” for assistance. The Santa Barbara County Call Center is available 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog
BEWARE COVID-19 VACCINE SCAMS!
Feb 1, 2021

BEWARE COVID-19 VACCINE SCAMS!

By Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT, Santa Barbara County, Behavioral Wellness Department

It is sad that in addition to dealing with a worldwide pandemic, we also need to be vigilant about scammers who are trying to cheat people out of their money. During the coronavirus pandemic, scammers are using robocalls, social media posts, and emails to take advantage of fear, anxiety, and confusion about COVID-19. They sell things that don’t work, charge money for things that are free, and steal personal information.

Beware! COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in Santa Barbara County in a fair and transparent way and always at no charge. If someone offers to sell you a chance to get vaccinated before it is your turn, it’s a scam.

Right now, the COVID-19 vaccine is only being offered to front line healthcare workers, people who live in long-term care facilities and those over 75 years of age.  As more vaccine is available it will be offered to everyone.

Information about how to get the vaccine is posted on the Santa Barbara County Public Health COVID-19 webpage: https://publichealthsbc.org/vaccine

If you have questions, talk to your doctor. COVID-19 vaccine will be given to Santa Barbara County residents at no cost and regardless of immigration status. If someone says they can get you a special, low-cost deal, or get you the vaccine under the table, it’s a scam.

You will not be charged a fee or co-pay to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The doctor or pharmacy may charge a fee for giving the vaccine, but it should be covered by public and private insurance companies. People without health insurance can get COVID-19 vaccines for free.

You will NOT be asked about your immigration status when you get a COVID vaccine. Your medical information is private. Your doctor is not allowed to share it with immigration officials.

A RED FLAG is a warning sign or signal that something might be a scam. Look out for these COVID-19 vaccine scam red flags:

  • Someone offers to move you into an earlier group to get the vaccine for a fee.
  • Someone tries to sell you a place on a COVID vaccine waiting list. There is no “vaccine waiting list.”
  • Someone on the street, online, on social media, or knocking on your door tries to sell you a shot of vaccine.
  • You get calls, texts, or emails about the vaccine. The caller asks for your personal or financial information. It can be your Social Security, bank account or credit card number. NEVER share these numbers or other personal information with an unknown caller or in a text or email.
  • You see ads for fake vaccines or “miracle cures” using vitamins or other dietary supplements. Scammers promote these even though they have not been proven to work. The FDA has issued warning letters to many companies for selling products that claim to prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19.
  • If anyone that isn’t well known in your community (like a doctor, a health care clinic, a pharmacy, a County health program) offers you a vaccine – think twice and check with your doctor.

Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT, is the County of Santa Barbara’s Chief Quality Care and Strategy Officer and is responsible for leadership of Quality Care and Strategy Management within the Department of Behavioral Wellness.  

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog
NEED TO SCHEDULE YOUR SECOND COVID-19 VACCINATION SHOT?
Jan 27, 2021

NEED TO SCHEDULE YOUR SECOND COVID-19 VACCINATION SHOT?

If you recently received your first COVID-19 vaccine shot, and you did not make a second vaccination appointment, you'll be notified by the provider where you received your first shot, within 1-2 weeks regarding your second appointment.

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog
HOW IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE BEING DISTRIBUTED?
Jan 25, 2021

HOW IS THE COVID-19 VACCINE BEING DISTRIBUTED?

By Van Do–Reynoso, MPH, PhD, Director, Public Health

As we all wait patiently for our turn to get the COVID-19 vaccination, many are wondering how the vaccine is being distributed. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is released from the federal government, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), to states and to national pharmacy chains. Some local pharmacies (CVS and Walgreens) have been engaged in a federal partnership to specifically vaccinate long term care residents including those in Santa Barbara County. 

The County of Santa Barbara receives vaccine allocation from the State of California. The Santa Barbara Public Health Department receives an allocation from the California Department of Public Health on a weekly basis. The amount of vaccine that can be requested by a county is determined by the state and is based on a formula which considers the unique demographics of each county. Vaccine that is allocated from the state to a county is distributed in several paths.

Vaccine from the state is allocated to Multi-County Entities (MCEs) which are health care providers that function across county lines. In Santa Barbara County, the only MCE is Dignity Health. Allocations given to MCEs are intended to then be allocated to regional hospitals. In the case of Santa Barbara County, this is Marian Medical Center.

Allocations are also given from the state to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. These allocations are then distributed to local partner health providers. These include all health care facilities who have signed up as providers and registered to receive the vaccine  conduct community vaccination clinics at various locations and facilities.

Currently, there are 38 local health care providers sites, which include hospitals, clinics, providers, and pharmacies within our county that are receiving vaccine allocations. These partner providers have the capacity to vaccinate community members as we continue moving forward. 

In addition to allocating received vaccines to area providers, Santa Barbara County Public Health Department also provides vaccinations at community vaccination sites called PODs, as well as at county health centers. 

The County’s Public Health website has a vaccine page which includes information about the vaccination process, including how to sign up to schedule a vaccination appointment. Community members may also call 2-1-1 for personalized assistance in scheduling a vaccination appointment.

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog
MODERNA COVID-19 VACCINE DETERMINED TO BE SAFE FOLLOWING THOROUGH INVESTIGATION
Jan 25, 2021

MODERNA COVID-19 VACCINE DETERMINED TO BE SAFE FOLLOWING THOROUGH INVESTIGATION

On January 20, 2021, after a thorough investigation, the CDPH found no scientific basis to continue the pause on this particular lot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and cleared a restart of its use.

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A COVID-19 VACCINATION IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY?
Jan 25, 2021

HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR A COVID-19 VACCINATION IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY?

If you are a frontline health care worker or you are 75 years of age and older, you can sign up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Santa Barbara County.

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW STRAIN OF COVID-19?
Jan 19, 2021

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW STRAIN OF COVID-19?

You may have heard about a new strain of COVID-19 (B117) that is more easily transmitted than the standard form of the virus. People who are exposed to this mutation of the virus are more likely to become infected.

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog
HOW DO I SAFELY ISOLATE OR QUARANTINE AT HOME?
Jan 12, 2021

HOW DO I SAFELY ISOLATE OR QUARANTINE AT HOME?

If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, are waiting for virus test results, or you are experiencing symptoms related to the virus, you will need to safely isolate or quarantine at home.

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19
STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE FOR THE HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR
Dec 28, 2020

STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE FOR THE HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR

Staying home and avoiding travel is the best way to protect yourself and others.

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog
WORRIED ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OTHERS DURING COVID? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Dec 21, 2020

WORRIED ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OTHERS DURING COVID? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP!

by Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT, Santa Barbara County, Behavioral Wellness Department

In addition to a myriad of health, economic, and societal issues related to COVID, an alarming increase in mental health issues has also been documented, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in a recent report. Without the usual social supports, including regularly being around loved ones, some are struggling and may need professional help.

If you suspect that friends, family members, co-workers, caregivers or others in your sphere are suffering, there are ways to safely help them during these difficult times.

5 Ways to help:

1. Ask questions and listen up. 

Even if you can’t physically interact with someone, you can still observe signs and signals that help may be needed.  Video chats, phone calls and texts are safe ways to communicate and may provide insight as to whether or not the person is having a difficult time.  Ask questions to see if normal routines such as regular bathing, brushing their teeth, going for a walk are being followed.  You can also glean insight from questions about whether or not they have food at home, are they keeping their spaces clean and changing their clothing regularly.  If your outreach efforts are being ignored, or if the person has changed their ways of communicating, such as no longer attending virtual celebrations, these could be signs that help may be needed.

2. Normalize conversations about mental health.

Right now, after several months of the pandemic, pretty much everyone is stressed and burned out.  While people may feel uncomfortable discussing their mental distress while so much is going on, it is important that conversations happen around mental health. Just like asking how someone is feeling physically, also ask how they are doing mentally.  If issues are shared, affirm their feelings, ask how you can help them, and follow up in a few days to see if things have improved or not.  Don’t hesitate to call, text or email them with a follow up about expressed concerns!  Knowing that you care and that you are really listening to what they are telling you is critical.

Also, when you ask somebody how they are, be sure to stop and wait for the answer.  Let them know that this is something that you really care about and want to hear, and you want to pay attention. Sometimes people just want to fix it, and a lot of people who are stressed out just want somebody to listen, so listen for verbal clues about what the person really needs in the moment.

3. DO ask about your concerns for their self-harm or suicide.

Sometimes people are reluctant to directly ask someone whether they have thought about harming themselves because they may be worried about causing offense or putting the thought into that person’s head. Or they’re afraid they won’t know what to do if the answer is yes.  But asking about self-harm or suicide doesn’t increase risk, in fact, especially if you say, “I’m just concerned about you, I want to make sure you’re doing okay,” that’s actually a signal to them that you really care, and that you are someone they can turn to for support.

Begin by explaining why you’re concerned — for instance, telling people you noticed their mood has changed and that they’re not using social media anymore.  Not only are you asking the question, you are acknowledging that you’re paying attention and are concerned. If people tell you they are having suicidal thoughts, let them know that you are going to continue to support them during this time and you’re going to walk alongside them to help get the support they need.

4. Be informed on how you can help.

If someone shared with you that they are not ok, respond with affirmation and validation.  You may also thank them for opening up and trusting you to talk about what is going on and commend them on their courage to share their struggles.

It is important that you do not promise to keep their admission about suicide or self- harm a secret, even if it makes them angry.  At this point, you will want to help connect them with a trained professional as quickly as possible.  In Santa Barbara County, the Behavioral Wellness 24/7 Access Line can be called at 1-888-868-1649.

You should continue to provide support by offering encouragement through regular communication with the person.  If you live with them, and are concerned about self- harm or suicide, you should remove access to any weapons or potentially harmful substances. Help them focus on feeling better through short-term solutions, such as planning a distanced meet up with a friend or family member or taking a walk outside. Be proactive by scheduling times to talk with them and helping them find new ways to increase connections with others.

5. Consistency Matters! Follow up and stay connected.

Even if you can’t physically be with someone who is having a hard time, there are ways to remind them that they still have strong connections to people who care. Continue to schedule regular check-ins via phone calls or video, and consider offering support in more spontaneous ways, such as sending a thoughtful card or small gifts, so they know you are thinking of them and care about them.

You may wish to make a list of people you want to stay in touch with who will also support you in return.  There are certain things that, as a loved one, you can say to somebody that therapists can’t say or don’t say, such as: “No matter what, I’ll always be there for you,” or, “You mean so much to me,” or, “I love you.” Those are lifesaving words that only loved ones can say that are incredibly connecting and powerful for people who are feeling desperate and alone.” It is important to remember that you may be more capable of helping someone through a tough time than you realize.

Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT, is the County of Santa Barbara’s Chief Quality Care and Strategy Officer and is responsible for leadership of Quality Care and Strategy Management within the Department of Behavioral Wellness.  

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by publichealthsbin Blog, COVID-19tags Blog

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Descargo de responsabilidad/Translate Disclaimer

El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Santa Barbaba está esforzándose para asegurar que todos tengan la información al corriente en respecto al Coronavirus.  Nosotros estamos en proceso de desarrollar un sitio de web completamente en español para nuestros visitantes.  Sin embargo, en este momento, la página PublicHealthSBC.org contiene algunos materiales con traducción ofrecido por el traductor de Google.

  • El traductor de Google, un servicio proporcionado por Google, realiza todas las traducciones directamente y dinámicamente.
  • El condado no tiene control sobre las características, funciones o rendimiento de los servicios de traducción de Google.
  • Las traducciones automáticas no deben considerarse exactas y usarse solo como aproximación del contenido original en inglés.
  • Este servicio está destinada únicamente para la asistencia para aquellos con ingles limitado y es una medida temporal.
  • Algunos elementos no se pueden traducir, incluyendo botones de imagen, menús desplegables, fotos gráficas, o formatos de documentos portátiles. (pdfs).
  • El condado no respalda directamente al traductor de Google y no afirma que es la única solución de traducción de lenguaje disponible para visitantes.

Para información adicional, favor de llamar al 805-681-4373.


Cierre esta ventana emergente después de hacer su selección


The County of Santa Barbara Public Health Department is striving to ensure that all have the most up to date information regarding the Coronavirus. We are in the process of developing a complete Spanish website for our guests.  However, as an interim measure, at this time, the PublicHealthSBC.org website contains some materials provided with translation software powered by Google Translate.

  • Google Translate, a third-party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • The County has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website as interim measure.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • The County does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.

For additional information, please call 805-681-4373.