About Vaccine for COVID-19

The California Department of Public Health has convened a Drafting Guidelines Workgroup which is leveraging national prioritization frameworks and reviewing data regarding occupational exposure and COVID risk to prioritize sectors across phases and tiered population groups. Counties will follow these guidelines in administering vaccine. However, given the number of people falling into the various tiers in a specific county, the uptake of those in the priority group in getting vaccinated, and the logistics and timeline for use of the vaccine so that no doses go to waste, counties may be in different tiers in administering vaccine to their population.

Currently vaccinating in Sierra County:

Phase 1A – Tiers 1, 2, 3 All identified EMS/Paramedics, Skilled Nursing Facility Staff and Residents, Health Care Providers & Clinicians with face to face appointments, HHS/Community Health Field Staff with public face to face appointments, In Home Supportive Services Providers, and Dentists working in Sierra County.

Phase 1B - Tier 1 Using Closed PODs (Points of Dispensing) by appointment only for those at risk of exposure at work in the following sectors: education, childcare, emergency services, and food and agriculture. Over 75 years of age.

Due to the small amounts of vaccine being provided by the state, Sierra County Public Health does not anticipate having all Phase 1B- Tier 1 residents vaccinated in less than two months. Many residents will be able to receive the vaccine through their healthcare provider or pharmacy before Sierra County Public Health will have adequate vaccine on hand. 

If you would like to be put on the list to be contacted when vaccine is available for the phase and tier you fall, contact Sierra County Public Health 530-993-6700 or Email  The list is not first come first serve, it is being utilized to assist in coordination and planning only. 

Links to Forms:

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 Vaccine. As of 12/21/2020 vaccines with an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) are Pfizer and Moderna.

Where do I report a reaction to a vaccination?

Report an adverse event to VAERS -Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. VAERS is a passive reporting system, meaning it relies on individuals to send in reports of their experiences. Anyone can submit a report to VAERS, including parents and patients.

Why haven't I been contacted to receive a vaccination yet?

There are many factors in the vaccination process which effect how quickly vaccinations will happen in Sierra County:

  • The Health Department only receives very limited amounts of vaccine a week.
  • The entire vial of 10 -12 doses must be used in 6 hours of opening.
  • Every recipient needs to be observed for 15 minutes after vaccination.
  • Social distancing is required while waiting.
  • The Health Department is required by the State to “offer” it to everybody in each Tier, in the order of the Tiers, and document the responses.
  • Second doses are required 28 days later. These doses come out of the total weekly allocation at this time. 
  • Every vaccination must be recorded in the State system within 24 hours. 

It is quite possible by the time Sierra County Public Health finishes Phase 1a Tiers and is progressing through Phase 1b Tier 1, vaccine will be available at Health Care Providers and Pharmacies.  If you have been added to the list to be contacted, understand this may not happen soon. Calling and emailing to "check" only slows the process further as staffing is very limited. 

Contact Us

  1. LeTina Vanetti
    Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
    Email

    Dr. Celia Sutton-Pado
    Health Officer
    Medical & Health Operational Area Coordinator (MHOAC)  

    202 Front St.
    P.O. Box 7
    Loyalton, CA  96118
    Ph: 530-993-6700
    Fx: 530-993-6790

    22 Maiden Lane
    P.O. Box 38
    Downieville CA 95936
    Ph: 530-289-3711
    Fx: 530-289-3716

    Hours
    Monday - Friday 
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Closed
    Noon - 1 p.m.




For more information from the California Department of Public Health about how the vaccine will be distributed click here.

Vaccine Priority Schedule