COVID-19 Information

Resources and Vaccines

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As of April 15th, all California residents 16 years of age and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine supply is limited, so being eligible does not guarantee a vaccine is available. The City of Long Beach began vaccinating this age group as of April 8th, 2021.

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Harbor Regional Center is available to assist you:
Watch video for more information

Regional Center service coordinators, or  people helping them, will be contacting you to let you know where you can get a vaccine and how to schedule an appointment.  If you need help with scheduling a vaccine, or transportation to get a vaccine, your regional center can provide information and guidance.  If you have questions, please contact your service coordinator.

Harbor Regional Center, in collaboration with Anchor/Oxford Healthcare, is scheduling vaccine clinics especially for our clients, family and household members, and service  providers/direct care staff on a weekly basis at our Torrance office,  until further notice.

The clinics provided and staffed by HRC and Anchor/Oxford are nice and small, helpful, very friendly and supportive, and the wait time is not too long. ”

At the HRC clinics we are able to accommodate special behavioral and mobility needs, and the nurse can come to your car to provide the vaccination if needed.  Check our HRC Calendar or subscribe to the HRC enews to receive notices of clinic dates, and links to schedule an appointment. Or if you need help, contact your Service Coordinator.

Anchor/Oxford Healthcare will also continue to offer vaccine clinics at their downtown Long Beach office location, by appointment. These dates will also be posted in our HRC enews. 

For eligible Long Beach residents and workers: The City of Long Beach will continue to provide up to 500 non-appointment opportunities to get vaccinated for eligible Long Beach residents and workers only at the Long Beach Convention Center Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., depending on vaccine availability.  Once those opportunities are full, anyone arriving onsite without an appointment will be scheduled for a future opportunity.

You must bring a form of documentation with your name on it AND show proof that you are in an eligible group in order to be vaccinated. Those who cannot prove that they meet criteria will be turned away at the site.

Consent for minors:  Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can provide consent for vaccination. When scheduling for individuals under age 18, you will need to make sure that the clinic is providing Pfizer vaccine. This is the only vaccine that is currently approved for ages 16-18. The Moderna and Janssen vaccines can only be given to people age 18 years and older

Fact Sheet: Vaccines for People with Disabilities

Where else can I sign-up for a vaccine?

Vaccination appointments can be made using a website or by telephone.

To schedule a vaccination appointment online, you may use the following websites:

To schedule a vaccination appointment by telephone, you may call the following:

  • CA COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255or (833) 4CA-4ALL  8:00 AM-8:00 PM Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Saturday and Sunday
  • Residents who don’t have computer access may call (833) 540-0473 between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. 7 days a week or 2-1-1 for assistance with appointments.

What Documentation will I need for vaccination of a person with a developmental or other disability/high risk health condition?

At Los Angeles County vaccination sites you must bring document(s) to show all 3 of the following: (Note: one document may cover more than one requirement).

Photo ID (does not have to be government issued), and

Proof that you live in LA County (if your other documents do not include your home address, see list for acceptable items), and

Proof that you are in one of the eligible groups

Now that everyone age 16 and over is eligible, you will probably not be required to show the proof of eligibility criteria below for high-risk medical conditions or disabilities. 

  • ​A letter from your medical provider, behavioral health provider, or California Department of State Hospitals Conditional Release Program (CONREP) that confirms that you are eligible for vaccination based on your underlying condition or disability (the letter does not need to state the medical condition)
  • For Medi-Cal program enrollees – a personalized letter from California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS)
  • For IHSS consumers – a personalized letter from California Department of Social Services (DSS)
  • *For Regional Center clients – a personalized letter from California Department of Social Services/Regional Centers (DSS) - *Regional Centers will be providing a letter to all clients age 16 and over who have not already been vaccinated, that can be used as documentation of eligibility at any vaccination location in California. Please allow time for this mailing to be processed by the post office and to reach you. As of March 15 the letter from HRC is still on route to you. 
  • For CSS program consumers – a personalized letter from California Children’s Services (CSS)
  • OR An attestation that you sign that states you meet the eligibility criteria for high-risk medical conditions or disabilities. Download the English or Spanish form below. If you do not have access to a printer, the attestation can be written by hand). 

Self Attestation Form for LA County COVID-19 VACCINE ELIGIBILITY

Auto Declaración para Condado de Los Angeles ELIGIBILIDAD PARA LA VACUNA CONTRA EL COVID-19 

Does the Regional center letter guarantee I will get a vaccine?

No, the letter is not a guarantee that a vaccine will be available when you want one. Vaccines are administered by each county.  You may experience a delay in getting a vaccine if your county does not have enough vaccine.

Am I required to get a vaccine?

No, vaccines are not required.  We hope that once Californians learn that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, people will choose to be vaccinated.  Regional center providers cannot require you to receive the COVID vaccine.

Where can I get more information about vaccines?

10 Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

10 Cosas que debe saber sobre la vacuna COVID-19

Khmer - 10 Things to Know

Tagalog - 10 Things to Know

More information about vaccines can be found on the DDS website at:

https://www.dds.ca.gov/corona-virus-information-and-resources/vaccine-testing/

or from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at:

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

California Vaccine Information Sheet for people 16-64 with developmental disabilities

Information on Side Effects: When to call the doctor

In most cases, discomfort from pain or fever is a normal sign that your body is building protection. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

  • If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot gets worse after 24 hours
  • If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days

Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.
Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and rare severe allergic reactions.

COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility for Direct Caregivers

Now that everyone age 16 and older is eligible for a vaccine, you will probably not be required to provide documentation of being eligible in this category.

On January 13, 2021, the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) released letters clarifying that direct support employees and family members proving support for regional center clients are considered “health care workers” and thus eligible for inclusion in Phase 1a of California’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan.

COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1A for Family Members

COVID-19 Phase 1A for Direct Service Providers

COVID-19 Phase 1A for Regional Center Workers

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has updated their guidance for what to bring to your scheduled vaccine appointment:

  • A letter from a regional center noting healthcare worker status must include the caregiver’s name and an attestation that the person cared for has a qualifying intellectual or developmental disability as per the DDS letter
  • AND a photo ID.
  • LACDPH will NOT accept medical documentation.
  • The Regional Center is following the guidelines provided by CDPH and LACDPH and has no jurisdiction over who will receive vaccines.
  • CDPH and LACDPH do not list Intellectual Disability and Autism as qualifying conditions. Parents of individuals with these diagnoses may be eligible for a vaccine if the client also has a specialized health care need or a secondary diagnosis from the list above.
  • Please contact your service coordinator for a letter from the Regional Center, for documentation that meet the above requirements. The letter must be specific to the caregiver(s), most often the parent(s). Please do not bring additional family members as they will be turned away.

If you are a family member/caregiver of an individual with one of the above eligible conditions and have not yet obtained the vaccine, you may contact your service coordinator to request an individualized letter documenting that you provide care for a person with a developmental disability.

Phase 1A the category of health care workers includes:

  • healthcare workers and residents in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities 
  • healthcare workers in home healthcare organizations and agencies
  • healthcare workers in intermediate care facilities
  • IHSS providers
  • speech therapists 
  • physical therapists
  • occupational therapists

Department of Developmental Services Directives

Find the most current Directives issued by DDS in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Websites

These websites provide basic COVID-19 information as well as case information, current health orders for the county, testing sites, and resources for assistance.

City of Long Beach COVID-19 information

Los Angeles County COVID-19 information

Los Angeles County Dept of Public Health COVID-19 Information

California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

The Department of Developmental Services Coronavirus Information Page
provides information on:

State and Federal COVID-19 Updates

Directives for regional centers and service providers

Information for Service Providers

Information on Alternative Service Delivery 

Information for Individuals and Families

Frequently Asked Questions

Training Information

California State Council on Developmental Disabilities COVID-19 Information (Includes information in plain language

One Degree COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resource Guide

Center for Disease Control guidance for people with developmental and behavioral disorders

COVID-19 Testing

Free COVID-19 Testing for all LA County Residents

Long Beach Testing Sites

Free Health Care for those without insurance

My Health LA is a no-cost health care program for people who live in LA County that is free to individuals and families who do not have and cannot get health insurance, such as Full-Scope Medi-Cal.

Health care services are provided by non-profit clinics called “Community Partners.” There are over 200 Community Partner clinics in My Health LA. Click here to find a clinic near you. Please call the clinic to make an enrollment appointment and to make sure the clinic is taking new patients at this time.

Free Mental Health Support

With stress, anxiety, and depression on the rise in light of the ongoing challenge of the pandemic, the L.A. County Department of Mental Health’s (LACDMH) 24/7 Helpline at (800) 854-7771 is available to provide mental health support, resources and referrals (LACDMH facility updates are available here).

LACDMH has partnered with Headspace to offer a collection of mindfulness and meditation resources – for free – to all L.A. County residents. The free Headspace Plus subscription includes access to hundreds of science-backed guided meditations in English and Spanish, as well as movement and sleep exercises to help manage stress, fear and anxiety related to COVID-19.

LACDMH is also a part of PsychHub’s COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub, which is dedicated to providing free resources to help people address their mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guides and General Resources

Communication First – COVID-19 Communication Rights Toolkit with Printable Patient Accommodations Request Form
Autism Society of America – Online COVID-19 Toolkit
Q&A on COVID-19 and Down syndrome
David Penso List of Activities for People with Autism
American Association on Health & Disability Resources for People with Disabilities on COVID-19
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund – (English & Espanol)If You or Someone You Know is Disabled: Know Your Rights to Medical Care – COVID-19
Disability and Disaster Hotline (800) 626-4959 and info@disasterstrategies.org during COVID-19 from the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies -  is always available for intake calls, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.The Partnership’s Disaster Hotline provides information, referrals, guidance, technical assistance and resources to people with disabilities, their families, allies, organizations assisting disaster impacted individuals with disabilities and others seeking assistance with immediate and urgent disaster-related needs.

Financial Support

Who’s Eligible for the second round of Economic Impact Payments (January 2021)?

Generally, if you’re a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien, you may be eligible for $600 ($1,200 for a joint return), plus $600 for each qualifying child, if you (and your spouse if filing a joint return) aren’t a dependent of another taxpayer on a 2019 tax return, have a social security number (SSN) valid for employment (see exception when married filing joint) and your adjusted gross income (AGI) does not exceed:

  • $150,000 if married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower;
  • $112,500 if filing as head of household; or
  • $75,000 for eligible individuals using any other filing status

Your payment will be reduced by 5% of the amount by which your AGI exceeds the applicable threshold above.

You aren’t eligible for a payment if any of the following apply to you:

  • You were claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s 2019 tax return (for example, a child or student who may be claimed on a parent’s tax return or a dependent parent who may be claimed on an adult child’s tax return).
  • You don’t have an SSN that is valid for employment issued before the due date of your 2019 tax return (including any extensions).
  • You’re a nonresident alien.
  • People who died before 2020.
  • Are an estate or trust.

Questions and Answers About The Second Economic Impact Payment (IRS)

Economic Impact Payment Information Center (IRS)

General Relief 

Cash Assistance for Single Adults

CalWORKS 

Cash assistance program for families

CAPI

Cash assistance program for immigrants

In Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

Families may call the Application Line at 1-888-944-4477.  

IHSS is still taking new applications and assessments will likely be conducted via telephone.

For existing cases, contact the IHSS Helpline at 1-888-822-9622.

The state is also allowing telephone reassessments, and there is a hold on any hours reductions through June 30th. For cases impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically where the person is not going to school/day program, or is losing help (from family/care provider), or additional hours are needed, the County has indicated that an additional 20 hours may be able to be authorized.

Department of Public Social Services Frequently Asked Questions on CalFresh, IHSS, etc

Utilities

Los Angeles County utilities are providing resources and relief to eligible residents.  Many utilities, including LA County Public Works, SoCal Edison, and City of Long Beach are not shutting off service for non-payment.

Low or No Cost Internet and Wireless Media Resources

Food

CalFresh Program

Click here to enroll today. A food and nutrition services program, also known as SNAP. L.A. County is helping enroll low-income residents in the CalFresh Program, which issues monthly electronic EBT benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores. 

Expensify.org 

This is a program that is striving to help families who receive SNAP benefits by matching SNAP funds up to $50.

#LetsFeedLACountyDrive Thru Food Distribution events in LA County 

211 LACounty Food Resource Directory

(add your location)

List of Food Banks and Pantries in Long Beach

FoodFinders Food Pantry Locator

(enter your zip code)

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank- Find Food Pantry Locator

(enter your zip code)

Christian Outreach in Action 

offers meals, food and diaper bank and other support services. See link for hours and requirements

Long Beach Community Table 

Anyone may come to pick up food during Open Community Hours, without an application or appointment!

Community’s Child

Food bank serves Torrance, Beach Cities, Carson, Lomita, Harbor City and Gardena) . Email referrals to Dede.O@cchild.org

Long Beach Unified School District Grab & Go Meals

Los Angeles Unified School District Grab & Go Meals

ABC Unified School District Grab & Go Meals

Norwalk  La Mirada School District Grab & Go Meals

Torrance Unified School District Grab & Go Meals

Redondo Unified School District Grab & Go Meals

Everytable 

Call the Everytable Helpline at 323-458-6487 for questions and more information.

Childcare for Essential Workers

covid19.ca.gov/childcare provides access to safe and reliable child care options for working parents, including essential workers and vulnerable populations

The nonprofit Pacific Gateway Workforce Partnership has launched WorkLB, a free electronic platform that helps to connect hourly child care providers with members of the public who suddenly need quality childcare. For more information, call (562) 570-4249.

YMCA of Greater Long Beach

Workers Displaced by COVID 19

Work Long Beach

Focusing immediately on childcare, they are working to match displaced childcare workers with those who need this service. It offers other services match hourly workers with employers seeking vetted employees.

OnwardCA.org 

A one-stop repository of information and resources for workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the user’s location and personal needs, in three distinct tiers of need:
Immediate sources for monetary aid — from unemployment to industry relief funds for workers to loans and grants for small businesses.
Emergency non-monetary resources — including food, shelter, medicine, groceries, child-care, and more.
Job matching to pair up workers’ skills with companies that are doing immediate hiring because of higher demand during the coronavirus-precaution measures, like call centers and deliveries of food and other goods. Job-training resources are also planned for people who need to make a change in career after losing their jobs to the pandemic.

Renters Assistance

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles - Response and Resources
Los Angeles County Consumer and Business Affairs - Tenant Protections

Learning About COVID-19 For Children or People with Developmental Disabilities 

Coronavirus Kids Book

NPR Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring the Coronavirus

Let’s Fight COVID-19 Together with Superhero Me 

Little Puddins: The Autism Educator – Coronavirus Social Story – Resources for children with autism to help alleviate fears and anxiety many children may be experiencing at this time.

My Story About Pandemics and the Coronavirus Social Story by Carol Gray