Vaccination FAQ
February 3, 2021
With the COVID-19 vaccine now being distributed in California, we recognize that many people have questions about the vaccine. The following is a list of commonly asked questions and answers about the vaccine based on information currently available from state and county health authorities.
Will employees and students be required to receive the vaccine?
At this time, receipt of the vaccine is voluntary in California and Los Angeles County. County and state health officials advise taking the vaccine as an important step in the fight against COVID-19. When a person gets vaccinated, they are less likely to get COVID-19 or pass it on to other people. When more people get vaccinated, there are fewer people left for COVID-19 to infect, so it is harder for the virus to spread.
When can I receive the vaccine?
According to the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health (DPH), the COVID-19 vaccine will be free for everyone and will be offered to different groups in phases. It is likely to be available to the general public in spring 2021.
Who can receive the vaccine now?
In keeping with the county’s phased plan for administering the COVID-19 vaccine, the vaccine is currently being distributed to those age 65 and older and frontline healthcare workers, staff and residents at skilled nursing facilities, and staff residents at long-term care facilities.
Where can I make an appointment to receive the vaccine if I am eligible?
To schedule a vaccination appointment, please visit the county’s website at the link below.
Is College of the Canyons serving as a vaccination distribution site?
College of the Canyons currently offers COVID-19 testing only. The vaccine is not available at the college. Locally, the County of Los Angeles is distributing the vaccine at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. The vaccine is also expected to be available on an appointment-only basis from a number of different pharmacies. For details, visit the website of your local pharmacy.
Where can I learn more about vaccine availability?
Visit the DPH website to sign up for an email newsletter about vaccine rollout.
I have questions about how the vaccine works. Where can I get more information?
DPH offers comprehensive information about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, how it works, and details about its safety and effectiveness.
As more information about vaccine distribution becomes available, we will share it with the campus community.
– College of the Canyons Incident Command Team
Additional Resources
Biology Department Presentation
Faculty from the College of the Canyons Biology Department gave a presentation in December that explains how COVID-19 affects the body, development of the vaccine, and how the vaccine helps achieve herd immunity. The presentation by Dr. Kelly Cude, Dr. Shane Ramey, and Professor Kelly Burke is available at the link below.