Flu, Covid vax clinic in Cambria set for Tuesday

A flu and Covid-19 vaccination clinic will be hosted Tuesday in Cambria by the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department. 

The Cambria clinic will be at the Santa Rosa Catholic Church, 1174 Main Street.

• Tuesday, December 6, 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• Updated COVID-19 boosters and flu shots for ages 5+, plus primary series for ages 5+

The clinic is the last of four in recent days hosted by the county to address increased demand for protection against the seasonal flu and ongoing Covid-19 infections.

“We’ve been thrilled with the strong turnout at our mobile clinics around SLO County and are happy to keep the momentum going with more opportunities to get vaccinated ahead of a possible winter surge of flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer.

Pop-up clinics offer extended hours and no appointments are needed—just walk in. There are no requirements related to residency, income, insurance, or immigration status. Medical professionals are always on-hand to answer questions. This year’s flu shot and the new, updated COVID-19 booster both appear to be a good match for the strains circulating right now.

New SLO County dashboard helps public track local Covid-19

Public health officials launched an online dashboard to help the public track local information related to Covid-19.

The dashboard (click HERE) tracks Covid detection in wastewater, hospitalizations, deaths, cases, vaccine status, variants, vaccinations, and frequently asked questions.

“The information we need to make smart decisions today is different than it was two years ago,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “We also have access to more dynamic and detailed data than we did when the pandemic began, and we are eager for our community to have access to the most practical information available. This pandemic has challenged us all to remain nimble and responsive to the situation―that’s what this update is about.”

Public Health Department offers sack-to-school COVID-19 safety tips

With students, teachers, and staff fast returning to school this month, the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department is offering back-to-school tips on how to stay as safe as possible from COVID-19 during the school year.

“The most important thing every student and teacher can do to keep our school environments healthy is to stay home if you are sick,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “Taking that step, along with other simple precautions, can help support a safe, healthy environment for in-person learning and social connection. It also helps ensure that schools do not fuel a surge in COVID-19 across the community.”

Got Covid? SLO County health officials want to know your long-term effects

The Public Health Department is reaching out to SLO County residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 to ask follow-up questions that will help health officials better understand the long-term health impacts of COVID-19.

Applications open to fund pandemic recovery health improvement projects

The COVID-19 public health emergency in SLO County has prompted the county's Public Health Department to issue a Call for Proposals for funding initiatives that address the effects or deteriorating metrics on public health.

For up to 12 projects, $5.9 million is available. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2008 granted this one-time sum (ARPA). Applicants may be non-profits, government entities, companies, or coalitions. The application date is 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2022. Project submissions must address at least one of the following:

• Access to Care: SLO County has long faced healthcare workforce challenges and disparities in access to care. The pandemic has made these challenges even more extreme. Building a robust healthcare workforce and ensuring equitable access to care will be key to a healthy future for our community.

SLO County Covid deaths surpass 500

COVID-19 is blamed for the death of more than 500 people in San Luis Obispo County, and the number of cases keeps going up slowly. The virus is said to be responsible for the death of four more people in SLO County, ranging in age from their 70s to their 90s. 

This brings the total number of COVID-19 deaths in SLO County to 501. This milestone comes at a time when the California Department of Public Health says that COVID-19 has killed more than 90,000 people in California and more than 1 million people in the US.

“My heart goes out to all of those who are grieving the loss of a loved one as our world continues to grapple with this pandemic,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “I urge all of us in SLO County to honor these lives by protecting yourself, your family, and our community from more pain caused by this disease.”

Vaccines, including boosters, are available at no charge for everyone age five and older at pharmacies, some doctors’ offices, and Public Health clinics. COVID-19 Test to Treat sites—which offer testing, on-the-spot medical consultation and treatment—have expanded to 12 locations countywide. Treatment is also available by prescription at pharmacies across SLO County.  

For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit slopublichealth.org/COVID19 or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903. Phone assistance is available at (805) 781-5500 Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The bright spot today is that vaccines and treatment are more easily available than ever before,” said Dr. Borenstein. “Now is the time to protect yourself with the vaccine and a booster, if you haven’t already. If you start to experience any symptoms, test without delay—effective treatment is available for people at high risk but it needs to be started within five days of the first symptoms.”