MiraCosta College COVID-19 Updates

Web Check In

 

The COVID Vaccine is Available for the Education Tier Follow Up 

February 26, 2021

Effective Saturday, February 27, 2021, vaccinations are being provided to the education sector. Per San Diego County Public Health, San Diego County is only vaccinating people who live or work in San Diego County, which includes all MiraCosta College employees. 

Highlights

There is a lot of information shared below with more details, however, here are the highlights for you:

• All MiraCosta employees are eligible for the vaccine in San Diego County
• When are we eligible? Beginning Saturday, February 27, 2021

• What do I need to get the vaccine? Employment verification letter and ID, Paystub and ID, or MiraCosta faculty / staff ID card 

• What if I can't schedule an appointment?  Be patient and keep trying, vaccine supplies are low.

Scheduling Your Vaccination Appointment

• Healthcare Provider: If you have a doctor or are enrolled with a local healthcare system, please work with them to schedule an appointment. Many providers are notifying their patients directly with next steps to receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on federal and state guidance.
• TriCity Medical Center: Through a collaboration with TriCity Medical Center, beginning the evening of Friday, February 26, at 8pm appointments will be offered through TriCity’s website for vaccinations beginning Monday, March 1, 2021. Attached to this email you will find a flier with registration instructions (digital version has relevant links included.)
  
• County Locations: If you are unable to get the COVID-19 vaccine from a healthcare provider, the County of San Diego and its partners are offering vaccinations to individuals in eligible priority groups. Appointment information for County vaccination super stations and PODs is available online at www.VaccinationSuperStationSD.com.

While vaccines have arrived in the region, supplies remain extremely limited. Please be patient—as supply increases, providers will be able to perform more vaccinations. Please note that vaccination appointments are limited and subject to vaccine availability.

Before Your Vaccination Appointment

• Take it easy the night before to ensure potential symptoms are not a result of other unrelated activities.

• Anticipate the COVID-19 vaccines may cause minor side effects in some people, like sore muscles, feeling tired, or mild fever.
• Do not take acetaminophen or ibuprofen in anticipation of potentially having side effects from the vaccine. Taking these medications for the purpose of preventing post-vaccination symptoms is not currently recommended.
• When you go to your appointment, remember to:
• Watch your distance - stay at least 6 feet away from others.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.

Proof of Vaccination Eligibility

At the time of your appointment, you must present photo ID/documentation that establishes you meet the eligibility requirements to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Employees will need one of the following forms of documentation to obtain the vaccine:

• A signed employment verification letter from MiraCosta College and a government issued photo ID;
• A recent MiraCosta College paystub from Workday and a government issued photo ID; or
• A MiraCosta College employee ID card.

All employees have access to a signed employment verification letter in Workday. Instructions for how to download the letter are attached to this email, and can also be accessed from the Workday Training Portal.

Alternatively, you may also access your pay stub online through Workday. After logging into Workday, select the “Pay” application.  Under “View” select “Payslips” and you will be able to view or print your most recent pay stub.  

Finally, if you do not already have a MiraCosta College faculty/staff ID card, and would like to obtain one, please clickhere. Please note that only permanent staff, full-time, and associate faculty are eligible to request a faculty/staff ID card.  ID cards will be mailed to the address on file with the district.

During Your Vaccination Appointment

• A COVID-19 vaccination card will be given to you when you receive your first dose of the vaccine. It will list:
• The type of vaccine you received.
• The date you received it.
• Where you received it.
• Keep this vaccination card in a safe place and bring it with you to your second dose appointment.
• If you have a smartphone with you, it is recommended you take a picture of your vaccination card in case you misplace the physical card between appointments.
• You will also receive a fact sheet that tells you more about the COVID-19 vaccine you received.
• You will be monitored for allergic reactions on-site for 15-30 minutes.
• You will be advised to register for v-safe for:
• Personalized health check-ins,
• Reminders to get your second dose,
• Quickly tells the CDC if you have any side effects, and after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Thank you for your ongoing understanding as we strive to provide accurate and timely information in a time of constant fluctuation.  For all other questions or comments, please email HR_Department@miracosta.edu.

 

Educators are Eligible for the COVID Vaccine Saturday, February 27

February 24, 2021

Hello MiraCosta Staff,

The Education Sector will be eligible for vaccination in San Diego County on Saturday, February 27, 2021.  Additional information will be shared later this week and will be posted on www.coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine. Staff in Institutes of Higher Education may schedule a vaccination through their healthcare provider or the county website beginning this Saturday. 

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

• Institutes of Higher Education Staff, including:
• Staff in colleges, universities, junior colleges, community colleges, and other postsecondary education facilities
• Staff in technical and trade schools
• Staff in support services and administration
• Third-party contractors and volunteers regularly engaged in work on a school campus

Scheduling Your Vaccination Appointment

Healthcare Provider: If you have a doctor or are enrolled with a local healthcare system, please work with them to schedule an appointment. Many providers are notifying their patients directly with next steps to receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on federal and state guidance.

County Locations: If you are unable to get the COVID-19 vaccine from a healthcare provider, the County of San Diego and its partners are offering vaccinations to individuals in eligible priority groups. Appointment information for County vaccination super stations and PODs is available online at www.VaccinationSuperStationSD.com.

Proof of Vaccination Eligibility

At the time of your appointment, you must present photo ID/documentation that establishes you meet the eligibility requirements to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Employees will need one of the following forms of documentation to obtain the vaccine:

• A signed employment verification letter from MiraCosta College and a government issued photo ID;
• A recent MiraCosta College paystub from Workday and a government issued photo ID; or
• A MiraCosta College employee ID card.

On Friday, February 26, 2021, you will be able to access a signed employment verification letter in Workday. Instructions for how to download the letter are attached to this email, and can also be accessed from the Workday Training Portal.

Alternatively, you may also access your pay stub online through Workday. After logging into Workday, select the “Pay” application.  Under “View” select “Payslips” and you will be able to view or print your most recent pay stub.  

Finally, if you do not already have a MiraCosta College faculty/staff ID card, and would like to obtain one, please clickhere. Please note that only permanent staff, full-time, and associate faculty are eligible to request a faculty/staff ID card.  

While the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory, we highly encourage all employees to participate for the health and safety of our campus community. For more information about the vaccine, please visit:

• CDC Vaccinations Webpage
• National Institute of Health (NIH)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

For COVID-19 updates at MiraCosta College, please visit theCOVID information page on the website.  

Thank you for your ongoing understanding as we strive to provide accurate and timely information in a time of constant fluctuation.  For all other questions or comments, please email HR_Department@miracosta.edu.

Be well, 

Human Resources

A Message From Human Resources: FAQ for COVID-19 Vaccine

 

A Message From Our President

For immediate questions, please email pio@miracosta.edu

September 18, 2020

Dear Spartans:

The pandemic continues to generate a great amount of uncertainty in our state and nation as businesses and organizations are still restricted from operating at full capacity. MiraCosta College will extend primarily online teaching and learning through the spring 2021 semester in very much the same manner as we are conducting operations this fall. 

Courses will continue to primarily be offered through an online modality. There may be some courses that require in-person instruction, such as those with hands-on labs or clinical placements, and we will continue to work alongside faculty and staff in these areas to offer in-person instruction, utilizing social distancing and safety protocols. Robust student support services will also be offered online and I encourage you to learn more about all the free support available to you. Check out the MiraCosta College Student Support Guide. Especially during these times, we all need help and support so please do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help - we are here for you.

In addition, most MiraCosta College employees will continue to work primarily online and remotely this spring. Events, meetings, and social gatherings will continue to be held in virtual formats, rather than on campus, to curb the spread of the virus. We ask for your patience and support as we continue to keep the safety of our students, employees, and community a top priority while improving our services. 

MiraCosta College understands students come to us with busy and complex lives, so clarifying the schedule for spring will allow for plans to be made for themselves and their families during this time of uncertainty. Students deserve and will have MiraCosta College’s support, responsiveness, and clear communication.

Thank you for your continued dedication and resilience to your studies. Stay well!

My best to all of you,

Sunny

Dr. Sunita V. Cooke

Superintendent/President

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I protect myself from getting sick (flu and/or coronavirus)?

If you are sick, please stay home from school or work. To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, please follow these important tips as follows:

• Get a free flu shot at a County of San Diego Public Health Center Immunization Clinic. 
• Socially distance yourself from people outside of your household.
• Wear a mask when you go outside.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick and encourage others to do the same.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Seek immediate medical care if symptoms become more severe, e.g., high fever or difficulty breathing.

What do I need to know about the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)?

An outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified starting in Wuhan, China. Some patients have had mild illness, while others have been more severe, and some have died.

Although coronaviruses are a group of viruses that aren’t new, this is a new type of coronavirus and we are still learning about it. However, the health risk to the general public in California remains low.

Typically, human coronaviruses cause mild-to-moderate respiratory illness. Symptoms are very similar to the flu, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

In some cases, COVID-19 can cause more severe respiratory illness.

MiraCosta College, the County of San Diego’s Public Health Services, the California Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are all carefully assessing the situation as it evolves.

For the latest information on repatriation and federal management, please see this statement from the CDC. There is also helpful information on the California Department of Public Health website.

What if I have symptoms?

If a person develops symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, and has reason to believe they may have been exposed, they should call their health care provider or the County of San Diego Public Health Services before seeking care. Contacting them in advance will make sure that people can get the care they need without putting others at risk. Please be sure to tell your health care provider about your travel history. You can also take the following precautionary measures: avoid contact with sick individuals, wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and get a flu shot.

If you are having a medical emergency, please call 911. If you are feeling ill while on campus, please go to Health Services at the Oceanside Campus (Room 3326) or the San Elijo Campus (Room 922). If students are off-campus or at the Community Learning Center, and would like to speak with a nurse, please call Health Services at 760.795.6675.

Additional questions? Contact Health Services at mccshs@miracosta.edu.

What is the treatment for COVID-19?

Most people with illnesses due to common coronavirus infections recover on their own; there are no specific treatments for coronavirus infections. For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care. We are continuing to learn more about this novel coronavirus and treatment may change over time.

How can I obtain more information?

• For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Intervention (CDC)
• There is also helpful information on the California Department of Public Health website
• En Español: Para obtener información en español, visite la página de el Nuevo Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Previous Communications

• March 27, 2020 President's COVID Update (Spanish Translation included)
• March 20, 2020 President's COVID Update (Spanish Translation included)
• March 13, 2020 President's COVID Update (Spanish Translation included)
• March 12, 2020 President's COVID Update (Spanish Translation included)
• March 11, 2020 President's COVID Update
• March 5, 2020 MiraCosta Statement