Santa Monica COVID-19 Vaccine Update
January 25, 2021 1:00 PM
by Lindsay B. Call
Information updated on 4/2/2021
Santa Monica’s health and safety is our top priority. The City of Santa Monica is working every day to secure as many COVID-19 vaccines as possible for our community. There are supply and logistic challenges across the nation, but we are in close collaboration with federal, state, and local partners to advocate for local vaccine availability. After one year since the start of the COVID-19 public health crisis, we have faced many challenges accompanying this deadly disease. Los Angeles County continues to be one of the hardest-hit communities in the United States, but there is hope.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for three COVID-19 vaccines. Based on data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials, all three vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing serious illness and death.
Here is what we know from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and our partners at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) who will oversee the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent the disease. Vaccines save millions of lives each year. When our community gets vaccinated, we aren’t just protecting ourselves, but also those around us. For more information to frequently asked questions about the vaccine, click here.
- The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is a top priority while federal partners work to make this and other COVID-19 vaccines available. For more information about COVID-19 vaccine safety, clinical trials, and vaccine safety monitoring systems, click here.
- COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness. To better understand how COVID-19 vaccines work, it helps to first look at how our bodies fight illness. Visit the CDC’s Coronavirus website for a deep dive into how the immune system works and ultimately builds up a defense against COVID-19.
The City is working closely with our partners at the LA Department of Public Health as well as local healthcare providers and pharmacies to get vaccines out to as many people as possible in safe and convenient ways. Phases and tiers have been established by the State and LA County Departments of Public Health to prioritize how vaccinations will roll out to different audiences.
On April 15, all individuals 16 and older will be eligible for the vaccine. To find out more about eligible audiences, make a vaccine appointment, or sign up for LA County's Vaccine Newsletter, go to vaccinatelacounty.com. You can also call (833) 540-0473 for assistance between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Please remember that registration is required for a vaccine appointment. Please prepare to show proof of identification and proof of age or employment in a qualifying sector within Los Angeles County. Vaccinations are free and immigration status is not required.
A realistic and carefully developed plan for expanding vaccination availability to all is being executed. We appreciate your patience as we await the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to more groups. Please check on your loved ones and friends that fall into categories that can be vaccinated. Offer assistance in making the appointment or providing resources to someone considering the vaccine. While we all wait our turn, it’s important for each of us to continue to do our part and continue to wear our masks, not gather in groups, and keep our distance from non-household members. And remember, even once you receive the vaccine, these safety measures remain critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Thanks for your continued cooperation and support. Stay Safe Santa Monica, and stay informed on the latest information from the City by subscribing to our weekly community newsletter at santamonica.gov/newsletter.
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:
Call LA County at (833) 540-0473 for assistance between 8 AM - 8:30 PM or call 2-1-1
VaccinateLACounty.com > Sign up for the County’s vaccine newsletter to stay up to date on County information and availability of the vaccine.
LA County Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Vaccine MPOD Map > Find a vaccination appointment location if you are a healthcare worker or 65 years and older.
CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information > Learn about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Authored By
Lindsay B. Call
Chief Resilience Officer