Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
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Scroll down to read information and updates on the local COVID-19 response.
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Please Call First When Coming in for Urgent Care
RCMS continues to adapt to changing conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our patients and staff safe. We ask that you please call first before you come in for Urgent Care services. Call us at 707-884-4005 and we will screen you over the phone and provide directions on how to safely arrive at our clinic. Our clinics are safe and we are following all recommendations of the CDC, state and local governments.
RCMS continues to adapt to changing conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our patients and staff safe. We ask that you please call first before you come in for Urgent Care services. Call us at 707-884-4005 and we will screen you over the phone and provide directions on how to safely arrive at our clinic. Our clinics are safe and we are following all recommendations of the CDC, state and local governments.
RCMS Community UpdatesClick on any of the links below for full details.
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Community COVID-19 Vaccine Interest FormRCMS is putting together a list of people who willing to get the vaccine. The list will be broken down by the priority tiers that State and County Public Health requires. Having your name in the list helps distribution planning for the vaccine, but does not guarantee one. The availability of the vaccine is controlled by the county Public Health departments.
If you have a family member, friend, or neighbor who would like to get on the list, but may not have internet access, please help them register. Each individual will need to fill out a form. |
COVID19 Vaccine FAQs
When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out in Phases and Tiers per order of the State and County Health Department. RCMS is currently immunizing Phase 1A (which includes health care providers, emergency medical services providers, first responders, and nursing home residents) and Phase 1B – Tier 1 (individuals 75 and older, non-healthcare frontline essential workers (restaurant/grocery store), teachers and child care workers). Although the State defines Phase 1B -Tier 1 to include individuals 65 and over, we have been directed by the County to use the supplies for ages 75 and over and this time.
RCMS is coordinating the vaccine rollout by asking community members willing to take the vaccine to complete the survey. Here is the link to the survey:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KYGPTVS
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RR7XJMN
RCMS will contact persons from the survey list when vaccines are available and match with your specific tier.
RCMS is coordinating the vaccine rollout by asking community members willing to take the vaccine to complete the survey. Here is the link to the survey:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KYGPTVS
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RR7XJMN
RCMS will contact persons from the survey list when vaccines are available and match with your specific tier.
Who can get the vaccine?
RCMS is offering the vaccines to people living in our service area, ages 18 and up. This includes residents in southern Mendocino County and northern Sonoma County, generally the area from Irish Beach in the north to Timber Cove in the south.
Do I have to be an RCMS patient to get the vaccine?
No. You do not have to be a patient of RCMS.
How do I get on the RCMS vaccine interest list?
Please fill out the RCMS form at this link:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KYGPTVS
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RR7XJMN
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KYGPTVS
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RR7XJMN
Do I have to pay for the vaccine?
If you come to a mass vaccination clinic, the vaccine is provided for free. RCMS will have a donation box available at the mass vaccine clinics if individuals would like to make a donation to help offset costs. If you come to the clinic for an appointment, your insurance will be billed for the shot administration.
What COVID-19 vaccine will RCMS offer?
Currently there are two vaccines approved for distribution in the United States: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. RCMS receives it vaccine supply from County Public Health and does not have control over which is received.
Who will be giving the vaccines?
Vaccines are administered by RCMS RNs, PAs, NPs, MDs, Medical Assistants, and volunteer RNs, MDs, PAs, NPs, Paramedics, and EMTs. They have all been trained in vaccine administration.
Does the vaccine require multiple doses?
Yes. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines requires two doses given at least 21 days apart. The Moderna vaccines requires two doses given at least 28 days apart.
Do I need both vaccine doses?
Currently the public health guideline is that you need to receive both vaccine doses.
If I get the first vaccine dose, do I automatically get the second at the same location?
Yes. If you get the first vaccine at RCMS you will also get your second vaccine at RCMS.
Can I get the vaccine at either the Gualala clinic or Point Arena clinic?
All COVID-19 vaccines will be given at our Gualala clinic or at scheduled mass vaccine events
If I was invited to a mass vaccine clinic, do I need to bring a printed copy of my invitation?
We will have a list of the individuals that were invited, but you can bring a printed copy if you like. You will need to bring a photo ID with your name.
I qualify for the vaccine but have not received an invitation to the mass vaccine clinic.
RCMS is sending out invitations to individuals to participate in vaccine clinics. These invitations are going out via email. Invitations are based upon an individual qualifying for a specific Phase and Tier. Please understand that there may be more people who qualify for the Phase and Tier than we have doses for this first vaccine clinic. You may qualify and not receive an invitation this round. You would remain on the list for upcoming vaccine clinics.
Will the vaccine clinics be closely monitoring to honor social distancing?
Yes. The vaccine clinics will be set up to reflect social distancing recommendations. Individuals coming to the clinic should wear a mask.
Will there be more mass vaccine clinics?
Yes. RCMS is coordinating with the County to host additional mass vaccine clinics in the future. If we continue to get regular vaccine supplies, we would host these on a weekly basis. However, this is dependent on our ability to get vaccines from the County. We understand many people are eager to get the vaccine and appreciate your patience.
Will I get a vaccine certificate if I get vaccinated?
Yes. Currently, the CDC provides cards with each vaccine. Anyone getting vaccinated will get this card, along with the date they need to get their second dose.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine make you sick with COVID-19?
No. According to the CDC, none of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19
What are typical side effects to the vaccine?
A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects after the first or second dose, including:
You will be monitored for a minimum of 15 minutes after getting a COVID-19 vaccine to see if you have an immediate reaction. Individuals who have a history of anaphylaxis will be monitored for 30 minutes. Most side effects happen within the first three days after vaccination and typically last only one to two days.
- Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Joint pain
You will be monitored for a minimum of 15 minutes after getting a COVID-19 vaccine to see if you have an immediate reaction. Individuals who have a history of anaphylaxis will be monitored for 30 minutes. Most side effects happen within the first three days after vaccination and typically last only one to two days.
Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of severe allergic reactions?
According to Mayo Clinic, if you have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications, you may still get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have a history of anaphylaxis, you should be monitored for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine.
If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable medications, ask your health care provider if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends not getting that specific vaccine.
If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable medications, ask your health care provider if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you’ve ever had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends not getting that specific vaccine.
If I already had COVID-19 and recovered should I still get vaccinated?
Yes. According to the CDC, due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, vaccine should be offered to you regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection.
Do I still need to wear a mask and socially distance after I receive the vaccine?
Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations for how to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.
Additional COVID Information and Resources
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
CDC COVID-19 FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859
CDC COVID-19 FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859
Free COVID-19 Testing Center in Ukiah
Now available 7 days a week. Read the full details on our news page here.
Now available 7 days a week. Read the full details on our news page here.
Information on Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants
The Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) is a one-time, state-funded disaster relief program for undocumented adult immigrants impacted by COVID-19. Qualified applicants can receive up to $500 in direct assistance, and up to $1,000 per household. For more information visit https://covid19.ca.gov/guide-immigrant-californians/.
The Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) is a one-time, state-funded disaster relief program for undocumented adult immigrants impacted by COVID-19. Qualified applicants can receive up to $500 in direct assistance, and up to $1,000 per household. For more information visit https://covid19.ca.gov/guide-immigrant-californians/.
Immigration & Public Charge
On November 2, 2020 a federal court judge issued a ruling that stops the new public charge regulations nationwide. This means that as of today, the public charge rule has been blocked from implementation. It’s important to remember that this decision may be appealed and overturned. Immigrant families can get more information at the PIF website.
USCIS has announced that immigrants can seek testing, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19 without fearing immigration consequences due to public charge. Click here for more information on immigrant eligibility for public programs during the pandemic. There are programs available through clinics and hospitals to cover the cost of COVID testing and treatment.
On November 2, 2020 a federal court judge issued a ruling that stops the new public charge regulations nationwide. This means that as of today, the public charge rule has been blocked from implementation. It’s important to remember that this decision may be appealed and overturned. Immigrant families can get more information at the PIF website.
USCIS has announced that immigrants can seek testing, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19 without fearing immigration consequences due to public charge. Click here for more information on immigrant eligibility for public programs during the pandemic. There are programs available through clinics and hospitals to cover the cost of COVID testing and treatment.
RCMS Dental Services Update
Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS) Dental Clinic in Point Arena is now open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM for dental emergencies and for dental care that was previously postponed. Read the full article here...
Redwood Coast Medical Services (RCMS) Dental Clinic in Point Arena is now open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM for dental emergencies and for dental care that was previously postponed. Read the full article here...
All COVID-19 Notifications
Click on the links below to review past COVID notifications.
