WHEN AND HOW WILL MFTS OBTAIN THEIR COVID-19 VACCINES?

The CA Department of Public Health (CDPH) is prioritizing vaccine distribution according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, which can be found here. The CDPH has received prioritization requests from almost all professional advocacy groups, including mental health groups. According to their recommendations above, the initial priority will be workers required to work directly with the general public (i.e., hospitals), as well as workers in locations most likely to spread COVID or where there are high risk individuals (i.e., long term care facilities).

As of January 7, 2021, California has given vaccinators and county agencies greater leeway to immunize those in lower priority groups. CAMFT has learned that several agency and private practice MFTs from several counties throughout the state who have clients they must see in-person, including clients struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), are now eligible for vaccination; however, there are variations depending on county and supply availability. Vaccine distribution is still being organized by county, so you must contact your county health department to see if you can schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine.

If you do not fall into one of the current tiers based on your work setting/employers, but are over 65 and/or have immune compromised health problems, speak to your family doctor immediately to make sure they are aware of your desire for a vaccine as this category of individual will likely be given priority in the near future. It is projected that the average adult (under 65 years without a compromised immune system) who does not work directly with high-risk groups and/or is not required to do in-person work, will receive their vaccine by summer 2021.

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