Updated: State Moves Water/Wastewater Workers up to Phase 1B Vaccination Priority

California's roll-out plan as of 3/23/21

Compiled by Alec Mackie, CWEA, Emerging Issues

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Updated 3/23/21 – Water/wastewater workers should use the business/industry “EMERGENCY SERVICES.”
The “Water and Wastewater” sector on MyTurn is once again NOT WORKING to book appointments, so CDPH told us to select “Emergency Services” instead.

On March 11th the California Department of Public Health announced water and wastewater workers are considered “Emergency Services” support, making them eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 1B. This phase is currently open for vaccine appointments, so water and wastewater professionals on the front lines and/ore involved in emergency support can make their appointments.

The eligibility guidelines read “The following are considered Emergency Services workers: Utility Workers (Electricity, gas, water, waste, roads/highways) that provide emergency support.” In January, CDPH had placed water/wastewater workers in Phase 1C; however they have now decided to move them up to 1B. The list of eligible water/wastewater roles is available on the state’s COVID website.

Water and wastewater workers can book your appointment on MyTurn.ca.gov. In the sector drop down list, SELECT “EMERGENCY SERVICES” and you’ll be approved to move forward to the next step of finding an available location to book an appointment.

Remember to bring the identification items required by your local or county health department to the vaccination appointment; such as, ID and proof of employment as an essential water/wastewater worker. Employee ID, certification card or letter from your employer are typically acceptable, but check the appointment website in your county for exact details.

Helpful links:

• MyTurn.ca.gov is where you can make vaccine appointments
• CDPH definitions of essential water workforce roles
• Updated CDPH Vaccine Allocation Guidelines moving water/wastewater workers into Phase 1B
• California’s vaccine roll-out website

This is a rapidly changing story, be check this site and CDPH for updates.

Please feel free to share any news, advice or updates and CWEA will share it with the wastewater community. Contact Alec Mackie, CWEA staff.

California’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan

Visit covid19.ca.gov/vaccine to learn more.

CDPH has released toolkits to help announce and explain the COVID 19 vaccines. Visit the COVID-19 Response Toolkit page to find images and videos you can post on social media.