On Monday, March 15, California added COVID-19 vaccine eligibility for an additional 4.4 million people. As the state’s rollout continues to expand, those now eligible include people ages 16 to 64 with certain significant, high-risk medical conditions, chronic disease or disabilities that put them at higher risk for serious COVID-19 illness.

According to the state’s guidance, people could be eligible if they have one or more severe health conditions outlined by the state such as cancer, heart conditions, pregnancy or severe obesity, or if, as a result of a developmental or other significant, high-risk disability, one of the following criteria applies: a COVID-19 infection would result in severe life-threatening illness or death; acquiring COVID-19 would limit their ability to receive care services vital to their well-being or survival; or receiving COVID-19 related care would be too challenging. These criteria also include people with severe behavioral health conditions and substance use disorders.

Persons in this eligibility group are not required to present proof of their conditions, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has said, citing the need to protect confidentiality. Instead, they can provide verification with a letter from a provider or an agency providing services or sign an attestation saying they meet the criteria. Please be patient and persistent when scheduling an appointment as the vaccine supply is limited and more vaccine sites and appointments will soon be available. To check if you are eligible for vaccination in Los Angeles County and to prepare for an appointment, visit VaccineLaCounty.com.

COVID-19 Vaccination Information for those with high-risk medical conditions or disabilities. pic.twitter.com/RFMVIZeiTK

— LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) March 14, 2021

All public health agencies and Tri-City Mental Health recommend that everyone who is eligible get the vaccine. It is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. “We know based on many well-documented studies that, in addition to minorities and communities of color, individuals with mental health diagnoses have a higher risk of severe complications and death from a COVID-19 infection. It is vital for people to actively defend themselves by getting vaccinated,” says Dr. Seeyam Teimoori, MD, Medical Director of Tri-City Mental Health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a mental health crisis, but the increased availability of the vaccine is a critical step in the healing process for our community. While it takes several weeks for full protection to take effect, there is one immediate effect that everyone can grasp on to now — hope.

Tri-City Mental Health is here to help

For those without access to a computer or the internet, the Wellness Center is open to help eligible persons schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Please call 1 (888) 593-4448 or call our Navigator team at (888) 436-3246 for assistance with resources.