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The shelf life of a thawed coronavirus vaccine is only a few hours, and expired vaccines have to be thrown out.
That inspired the New York-based startup Dr. B, the COVID-19 company meant to reduce vaccine waste created by ZocDoc cofounder Cyrus Massoumi. It's just arrived in Los Angeles, as the eligibility for vaccinations lifts next week.
<p>Dr. B aims to reduce vaccine waste and the chaos that comes with it by matching vaccine providers with prospective patients within hours.</p><p>The company said it has secured three providers in the region so far. </p><p>To enroll in the waitlist, people have to sign up online at <a href="https://hidrb.com/" target="_blank">Dr. B's website</a> and share certain health and geographic information to inform the site of local guidelines it needs to follow. When a free appointment pops up, one will receive a text notification. If they don't accept the appointment within a certain time frame, it gives the appointment to someone else. </p><p>Its test will come next week when anyone over the age of 16 can make an appointment. </p><p>Those using Dr. B would need to drop everything to travel to a vaccination site in a matter of hours. People with inflexible jobs or child care often don't have that luxury. </p><p>Already, a slew of community- and company-run sites <u><a href="https://dot.la/la-county-covid-vaccine-appointment-2651226719.html" target="_self">are helping folks in L.A. find vaccine appointments</a>,</u> including <a href="https://www.gotsla.org/" target="_blank">Get Out the Shot</a> and Find My Vax LA, run by recent college graduate Andrew Freidman. Health care startups like Carbon Health and Curative have made efforts to help people find vaccine appointments. </p><p>Dr. B's arrival also comes as the region's thinking on "cutting the line" for vaccine doses has shifted. </p><p>In February, when L.A. County began administering vaccines to health care workers those who lined up to see if they could score extra doses were often called "vaccine vultures" and chided on social media for not waiting in line. </p><p>But as more doses become available, the disdain some felt has faded, with the general consensus now shifting to use the vaccine, no matter what. L.A. County officials have <a href="https://ktla.com/news/local-news/l-a-county-tells-health-care-providers-not-to-throw-away-unused-covid-19-vaccine-doses/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>urged health care workers to not throw away vaccines</u></a>. </p>
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Concerts, performances and other public gatherings are back on come April 15 — that is if attendees can prove they've been vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19.
This announcement came on Friday, with no clear plan of how Southern Californians will prove their credentials.
<p>Experts are worried about initiating this new strategy without a set of single standards or regulations. It raises a host of questions about forgery, health privacy records and accessibility.</p><p>"Each jurisdiction is kind of left to their own devices," said Rita Burke, an assistant professor of clinical preventive medicine at USC's Keck School of Medicine of USC. "There's no one set of guidelines which — in a situation like this — would be really, really helpful."</p><p>On eBay, she said, scammers are already selling replica vaccine cards for around $200. </p><p>The landscape of vaccine passports has evolved into an unregulated, crowded market. At least four Los Angeles entities have created their own, some working with others, including UCLA and health care startups Carbon Health and Healthvana.</p><p>President Biden's chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci said Monday on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HeqbYwqZVi9JvtPBFJYdU?si=98b4234829d34017&nd=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Politico's podcast</a> that the federal government will not require the credentials for businesses or travelers.</p><p>And last week, the Biden administration said it's letting private companies take the reins over vaccine passports, opting out of creating a centralized system for verifications. </p><p>How California — and any other state — will use the digital tools is still unknown. And the state has remained quiet on its strategy. </p><p>New York officials have launched their own version called Excelsior Pass for concert and event-goers. Meanwhile, a Florida governor on Friday banned digital certifications for vaccines, <a href="https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EO-21-81.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">citing</a> concerns over privacy and "individual freedom."</p><p>"It's going to be hard for businesses to require a passport because nobody wants to be perceived as forcing people to take a vaccine," said Ken Mayer, co-founder and CEO of the health tech company SAFE Health.</p><p>The L.A. startup is working with IBM and a coalition called the Vaccination Credential Initiative to develop passports for people to show proof of vaccination or recent COVID-19 test via QR code. It's one of several tech companies working behind the scenes for what will essentially be a ticket to freedom for many.</p><p>But the system, some worry, could create a have-and-have-not world where those with the vaccination gain access to concerts, offices and international travel. </p><p>"I think COVID passports should not be a thing that further divides people and makes it even more difficult for people who are on the margins," said Jakub Hlavka, a fellow at the USC Schaeffer Institute.</p><p>Hlavka said that inequitable vaccine distribution — especially in rural areas unable to preserve vaccines at specific temperatures for long — will impact how freely people are able to travel internationally, or how families across borders will reconnect after the pandemic.</p><p>It's also raising concern about personal health record keeping.</p><p>"This is a new concept so it sounds simple until you get into the security and privacy details," said Eren Bali, the co-founder and CEO of Carbon Health, which runs L.A.'s vaccine appointment website. </p><p>Bali said that any digital application should be for a single use and not allow providers to store "random health data" such as diabetes or other personal medical information that is protected and has no bearing on public health. </p><p>The company recently developed its own digital certification card called Health Pass, which is automatically provided to individuals who completed vaccination through the city of Los Angeles. </p><p>"I think this is only relevant for highly infectious diseases," he said, pointing to yellow fever as another use case for a vaccine passport. </p><p>L.A.'s Department of Public Health did not immediately reply for comment, but in March, a spokesperson confirmed that the county was working with <a href="https://dot.la/healthvana-2649755611.html" target="_self">Healthvana</a> to send out their own electronic passport. </p><p>Even if vaccine passports catch on, people will still receive a white vaccination record card after getting the shot. But it's unclear whether venues or businesses will accept them as proof, or how they'll be verified for authenticity.</p><p>Almost a third of California residents have been partially vaccinated. Health officials in Los Angeles County report 1.3 million people have been fully vaccinated, but that data doesn't include Pasadena and Long Beach.</p><p>One upside to a digital passport is that it could serve as an incentive for those yet to be vaccinated, said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who represents much of the west San Fernando Valley and sits on the Assembly's Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.</p><p>The committee oversees California's Department of Technology, responsible for partnering with state and local government to deliver digital services like MyTurn, the vaccination appointment portal run by the state.</p><p>"Hopefully it's something that'll motivate people who may be on the fence, knowing that they're able to do these things," he said.</p><p>But Burke says those who are skeptical about the vaccine are also the people wary of a vaccine passport.</p><p>Plus, proving a negative COVID-19 test "does not guarantee that you don't have COVID," she added. Venues and businesses should reconsider accepting days-old negative test results before letting customers inside.</p><p>"Showing a negative test is not really a good way of approaching this," Burke said. "Now, as we're opening up, we really need to focus on getting as many folks vaccinated as possible." </p><p><em>Keerthi Vedantam contributed to this report. <a href="https://dot.la/u/keerthivendantam" target="_self"></a></em></p><p><em>This story has been updated.</em><br/></p>
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Now that California residents 50 and older qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine — all adults will qualify on April 15 — Angelenos are scrambling to find and book appointments. We've pulled together some resources, including places to find them and answers to questions people are asking. Have more questions? Let us know and we'll try to get it answered.
<h4>When will I qualify for a vaccine?</h4><p>On April 1, all California residents over 50 became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. All adults 16 and older will be able to get shots starting April 15. </p><h4>How do you sign up for the second dose?</h4><p>Of the three vaccines now available, only the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only a single shot. If you get either Moderna or Pfizer you'll be able to book a follow-up either when you make your first appointment or when you arrive at your sit to get the first shot.</p><h4>Can children get the vaccine yet? Pregnant women?</h4><p>There isn't enough information yet to begin vaccinating people under 16. Folks 16 and 17 can receive the Pfizer vaccine, but the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are meant for those 18 and older.</p><p>Pregnant women can get any of the three vaccines. Based on what's known about the vaccines, experts don't believe they pose any risk.</p><h4>What should I know after getting the vaccine? How protected am I?</h4><p>People are considered fully vaccinated either two weeks after their second dose for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.</p><p>Once you're fully vaccinated, health officials say you can visit indoors with a small group of other fully vaccinated people without physically distancing or wearing a mask. You can also visit indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household without those safety precautions (unless they or those they live with are at high risk for getting severely sick).</p><p>For more commonly asked questions, check out the county's <a href="http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/docs/about/FAQ-Vaccine.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQ sheet.</a></p><h4>Find out if you're eligible and browse appointments:</h4><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://myturn.ca.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MyTurn.ca.gov</a> is the state website that can determine whether it's your time and help you book a slot. If you're not yet eligible, the site will send you a notification when you are.</li><li>The <a href="http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/vaccine/hcwsignup/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Los Angeles County Department of Public Health</a> lists slots under the drop-bar 3 here titled "Look for an appointment." You can search by location, type of vaccination site or by online appointment system. The website also lists eligibility requirements and offers a vaccine newsletter for updates.</li><li><a href="https://carbonhealth.com/covid-19-vaccines/los-angeles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Carbon Health</a> is powering appointments at L.A. City sites including Dodger Stadium.</li><li><a href="https://curative.com/sites/23041#9/33.9012/-118.3188" target="_blank">Curative</a> offers vaccines at El Camino College.</li><li><a href="https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/covid-vaccine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kaiser Permanente </a>lists openings—and you don't have to be a Kaiser patient to receive a vaccine.</li><li><a href="https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Walgreens</a>, <a href="https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CVS</a>, <a href="https://www.ralphs.com/rx/guest/get-vaccinated" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ralphs</a>, <a href="https://www.riteaid.com/pharmacy/covid-qualifier" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rite Aid</a>, and <a href="https://www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Albertsons</a> let you book online, too. Costco and Vons have unique sites for individual pharmacies that can be found on the <a href="http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/vaccine/hcwsignup/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">county's website</a>.</li><li>Residents with disabilities or without computer access can call the L.A. Dept of Public Health at 1-833-540-0473 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. all week.</li></ul><h4>A few volunteer-powered websites are frequently updated with open slots in your area:</h4><ul class="ee-ul"><li>Try <a href="https://www.vaccinateca.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VaccinateCA</a> to find open times that might not be listed on your county or city's website.</li><li><a href="https://www.findmyvaxla.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Find My Vax LA</a> refreshes every few minutes with new appointments at a range of sites across L.A.</li><li><a href="http://vaxxmax.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VaxxMaxx</a> collects appointments at CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid locations. Be sure to refine your search by selecting California and the pharmacy chain you'd like to visit.</li><li><a href="https://www.vaccinespotter.org/CA/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VaccineSpotterCA</a> scans for slots at pharmacy chains. Refine the search with your zip code and the distance you're able to travel.</li><li><a href="https://jabhunter.com/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">JabHunter</a> displays the phone numbers and locations to appointments listed on My Turn.</li><li><a href="https://vaccinefairy.org/?fbclid=IwAR2p3CQEXW_0QW7ThXypa1fTDUW44gf-Nwi52jpQD4ss_aidLnRjpH8zcsw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vaccine Fairy</a> is a national initiative that accepts appointment requests to book a slot on your behalf. Filling out the form does not guarantee an appointment, but you'll receive an email confirmation if one is booked at your preferred time and location. </li><li><a href="https://www.gotsla.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get Out the Shot: Los Angeles</a> is a group of volunteers that can help you book an appointment. They aim to serve vulnerable communities in need of finding slots, specifically nannies, house cleaners and essential workers. Call (213) 986-7604 or, if in need of scheduling for a large number of people, email at <a href="mailto:GOTS.LosAngeles@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">GOTS.LosAngeles@gmail.com</a>. </li></ul><h4>Twitter accounts to follow:</h4><ul class="ee-ul"><li><a href="https://twitter.com/FindMyVaxLA_Bot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@FindMyVaxLA_Bot</a> is the automated Twitter account synched to the Find My Vax LA website. It blasts new appointments across the city all day.</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/CovidVaccineCA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@CovidVaccineCA</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/CovidVaccineLA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@CovidVaccineLA</a> both display slots posted on the MyTurn platform.</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/lapublichealth" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@LAPublicHealth</a> is the L.A. County of Public Health's account that tweets a mix of open vaccine appointments and other info about COVID.</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/CovidVaccineCA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VaccineCA</a> posts about appointments available through MyTurn.</li></ul><p>Looking for more info? This bustling <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/LosAngeles/comments/m53rkr/covid19_vaccination_and_reopening_megathread_4/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reddit megathread</a> is filled with tips and reddittors discussing their experiences finding appointments. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/lacovidvaxapptinfo" target="_blank">Get Out the Shot</a>'s Facebook group offers similar information.</p><p><em>This story was last updated on Thursday, April 1.</em></p>
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