SPA 3 Regional Health Office
COVID-19 Weekly Update
December 30, 2021
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Boosters
Due to Omicron’s high transmissibility, Public Health has learned that immunity from past COVID-19 infection does not effectively prevent Omicron infections.
In a study conducted in the United Kingdom, the risk of reinfection with Omicron variant was five times the risk of reinfection with other variants. Public Health is also learning that mRNA vaccines and boosters (Pfizer and Moderna) still provide some protection for preventing Omicron infection and hospitalization.
A South African study demonstrated that two doses of Pfizer vaccine had 34% effectiveness at preventing Omicron infection, and that receiving a booster raised vaccine effectiveness to 75%. Another South African study showed that two doses of the Pfizer vaccine also had 70% effectiveness at preventing Omicron hospitalizations. This new information strengthens Public Health’s recommendation that everyone receive a booster dose as soon as they are eligible to provide the greatest level of protection against this new variant.
We encourage you to get your booster dose as soon as possible. The CDC recommends that everyone 16 and older should get a COVID-19 booster. Click here for details on when to get your booster based on your primary vaccination series.
Click here to schedule your COVID-19 Booster appointment, TODAY.
Celebrate the New Year Safely
- Get vaccinated and get a booster when you are eligible
- Wear a mask that fits and filters well
- Avoid crowded places
- Improve air flow
- Choose outdoor spaces for social and fitness activities
- Get a COVID-19 viral test
- Keep your distance
- Socialize with the same set of friends and relatives
- Be flexible. Be willing to change your plans or leave if you find yourself in a place where COVID-19 can spread more easily.
- Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer often
- Stay home when sick
- Delay travel until you and the people you are traveling with are fully vaccinated. If you are due for your booster dose, get it at least a week before you travel for extra protection. Be sure to review and follow the CDC domestic and international travel guidance. See LAC DPH Travel Advisory and Guidance for more information.
| For more information, click here. |
California Booster Mandate for Healthcare Workers
LA County Department of Public Health (LAC DPH) has issued a Health Officer Order requiring all workers providing services or working in certain high risk health care settings who are currently eligible for a COVID-19 booster to receive their booster dose no later than February 1, 2022.
This order requires workers who enter or work in a covered facility and are deemed booster-eligible but have not yet received their booster dose to be required to test for COVID-19 once or twice a week.
Please refer to the LAC DPH Order for additional information.
New Dual COVID-19/Flu Test Offered in LA County
With the COVID-19 pandemic on the rise, flu season is also here. Both are viruses that can cause upper respiratory illness – symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and fever. Many people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity are at increased risk for serious complications from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and influenza (flu virus).
Now you can get tested for COVID-19 and flu (Influenza A and B). If you have symptoms of cough, fever, and body aches, some LA County Community Testing locations offer test results for both viruses, so you can more appropriately treat your sickness. For Dual COVID-19/Flu (influenza A and B) Testing Frequently Asked Questions, click here.
To find a testing location near you, click here.
LA County COVID-19 Home Test Collection Kit
Getting tested for COVID-19 is important if you’ve been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you have symptoms. This holiday season, we want to make it as easy as possible to get a test. You can get a free COVID-19 test mailed to your home.
Note: this is a PCR COVID-19 test, not a rapid COVID-19 test. Eligible LA County residents will be able to complete free testing in the comfort of their homes – regardless of immigration, employment or insurance status. You can get a free test kit mailed to your home if you:
- Have symptoms of COVID-19
- Were in close contact with someone who has or thinks they have COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks
To get a home test collection kit, click here.
COVID-19 Resources
Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Federal Communications Commission started a temporary program to help eligible families pay for Home Internet service during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) includes a discount of up to $50 a month on Internet service until March 2022. After March 2022, you will get a discount of up to $30 a month on your Home Internet service.
APPLY BY DECEMBER 31
For more information and to apply click here or call 1-866-696-8748
LA Public Health Podcast
The LA County Department of Public Health’s LA Public Health Podcast provides COVID-19 updates & interviews with public health experts, in an effort to continue to keep LA County informed through more content and to continue to achieve & promote health equity for LA & beyond. On our next episode, we’ll cover holiday safety, boosters, and more. Stay tuned and subscribe to our channel for new episodes every month!
Listen at:
- Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Yu4pTN
- Apple: https://apple.co/3muH5O8
- Google: https://bit.ly/3AtJm0W
Safe Steps to Safe Schools: Get Vaccinated with LAUSD
Join a virtual public health webinar series for students and families to hear from doctors and other community leaders about COVID-19 safety and COVID-19 vaccination information.
To attend, please register at https://mobilize.us/lausd/ and join via Zoom here: https://lausd.zoom.us/j/89418385294
Need a COVID-19 Vaccination Presentation?
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offers an array of presentations, including the Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines. If you would like to schedule a presentation for your organization, click here.
SPA 3 Resources and Announcements
Pomona Wellness Community offers a place for community members to gather, find resources, or participate in wellness activities. Support includes mental health, substance use, and general health and wellness resources. All activities are FREE and open to the community. January program includes:
- Free Nutrition Workshops
- Cafecitos around mental health and wellbeing
- Black Mental Health Support Group for New and Expecting Moms (virtual)
- Preventing Opioid Overdose (virtual)
- What You Need to Know About Substance Use Disorders (virtual)
- Anger Management (virtual)
- Alive and Thrive stress management (virtual)
Visit our website: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/chs/pwc.htm
Download our monthly calendar of programs here
Email: [email protected]
Metro Free Rides this Christmas
Metro will be offering free service on all bus and rail lines on New Year’s Eve so everyone can get home safely during the holidays. Visit here for more details.
Winter Shelter Program
The Winter Shelter Program is held annually to protect people experiencing homelessness during Los Angeles’s colder months. Winter Shelters are located all across the County, and will be operating 24 hours a day this year due to COVID 19. For more information, visit the website, email [email protected] or call the Winter Shelter Hotline at 1-800-548-6047.
View English and Spanish Winter Shelter Flyers.
Connect to Free Housing Resources
If you know someone struggling to pay for their home each month, learn how they can receive up to $30,000 and free counseling before the year ends. Visit