Coffee Talk: "Covid in our Culture"

WHY ARE THE VACCINES SO IMPORTANT?

COVID-19 is now the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 7,600 Louisianans died from COVID in 2020, that's more than the number of deaths caused by accidents, stroke and diabetes combined in Louisiana in 2017. The vaccines against this virus are a critical tool in ultimately ending the pandemic and getting our lives back to normal. 

HOW IS IT DETERMINED WHO GETS THE VACCINE? 

Everyone in Louisiana will have the opportunity to get vaccinated. The state is looking to the prioritization guidance from the CDC?s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and then tailoring that guidance to Louisiana's context and needs. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE VACCINE RIGHT NOW?

The first round of vaccines in Louisiana (Phase 1A) is being given to hospital personnel, residents and staff of nursing home/long-term-care facilities, and frontline responders to serve as vaccinators (emergency medical services, fire personnel and law enforcement). 

As of January 4, 2021, the vaccine is also available in a very limited amount to any and all of the following groups (Phase 1B, Tier 1):

• Persons ages 70 years or older in the community,

• Outpatient clinic providers and clinic staff,

• Urgent care clinic providers and staff,

• Community care clinic providers and staff,

• Behavioral health providers and staff,

• Dialysis providers and recipients,

• Home health service providers and recipients,

• Dental providers and staff, and

• Students, residents, faculty and staff of allied health schools (if not already receiving vaccine or in a plan to receive from their respective schools).