The COVID-19 vaccination distribution model continues to shift throughout the state as Blue Shield implements the new statewide framework. This has changed the number of doses that the campus has been able to receive through the University of California distribution model that we outlined in our prior campus vaccine update and in the last COVID-19 forum. Below is a summary of the latest vaccine updates for UC Santa Cruz employees.
MyTurn and Vaccine Eligibility
UC Santa Cruz employees are eligible to receive a vaccine under Phase 1B of the State of California’s vaccine allocation guidelines, which includes those working in education. We encourage you to sign up for MyTurn, the state website where you can register to check your eligibility and find a vaccine location with available appointments in your area. You will be asked several questions on the website, including the business/industry in which you work. If you have previously logged into MyTurn, you will note the site continues to be updated. Not all vaccine clinics have transitioned yet to MyTurn. Though individuals working in education are eligible to get a vaccine under Phase 1B, not all clinics have appointments available yet for this sector. The MyTurn site will identify county vaccination clinics, healthcare providers, and pharmacies that are serving the education sector. For those of you in Santa Cruz county, the Health Services Agency vaccine site is also a resource for information. You can also check with your health care provider about vaccine availability.
Employment Verification
The approach for verification of employment differs across counties and clinics. UC Path now gives employees the ability to print an employment verification form, though depending on the clinic, verification requirements could differ. To print an employment verification, you can log into the UC Path portal and in Employee Actions, select “Income and Taxes,” and then “Verification of Employment.” You will be able to choose a “Generate Summary Report” option to download your verification statement.
Limitations of Campus Clinic Vaccine Distribution
In the last few weeks, our campus has not received any new first doses through the UC system, and we do not anticipate receiving additional first doses from them for the foreseeable future. We have received minimal doses from Santa Cruz County as they work to vaccinate individuals who meet the state Phase 1B criteria, which includes those working in education. However, we do not know if we will receive additional first doses from the county. We do anticipate receiving second doses for those who received their first doses from the campus and are planning accordingly.
As the status of our campus vaccine clinic changes and as the state continues to implement the new distribution model, we will update you. Thank you for your continued patience as we all navigate the rapidly changing vaccination landscape in our state and community.
