Cerritos College
Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Cerritos College • Norwalk, Calif.

Talon Marks

Calendar
TM Digital Newsletter

TM TikTok

Cerritos College preparing campus for vaccine distribution

Cerritos+College+will+be+one+of+LA+Countys+vaccine+distribution+sites.+The+campus+has+large+parking+lots+which+may+be+convenient+for+drive-thru+administration+of+the+vaccine.
Courtesy of Cerritos College
Cerritos College will be one of LA County’s vaccine distribution sites. The campus has large parking lots which may be convenient for drive-thru administration of the vaccine.

“If all of the logistical issues can be worked out with the county, distribution of the vaccine on campus could begin as early as next week,” said Dr. Fierro, Cerritos College President.

State and county officials compiled a list of persons who will receive the vaccination in order based on a set of criteria. According to LA County Public Health, educational institutions fall in the second phase, phase 1B tier one.

“Just as important as how we will help serve the community, we are also on the list to hopefully distribute the vaccine to our own staff and personnel,” Fierro said.

“Which vaccine we get, Pfizer or Moderna, depends on availability and other shipping and storage factors,” said Dr. Hillary Mennella, licensed Nurse practitioner and Associate Dean of Student Health.

“College faculty and staff are lower on the list to receive the vaccine, unless of course they meet some of the other specific criteria such as pre-existing health conditions.

Those employees would have the option of registering to receive the vaccine on campus as they would from any other center,” said Fierro.

“It would be conducted by us for our people on a much smaller scale of course. If we get the approval, we are hoping to have that available sometime in February,” Fierro said.

The amount of people infected with COVID-19 continue to increase daily. Its affects are widespread from individuals, the economy and the way we conduct everyday business. Educational institutions are no exception.

“Even with the vaccination, I don’t think we will be back on campus until Spring 2022. Perhaps there can be a soft return in the Fall 2021.

“It’s something we would have to look at and determine who would come back and how many. But with the soft opening, it would still have to include social distancing, masks and sanitation,” Fierro said.

“The vaccine may not eliminate the virus altogether. Some experts have stated that it would need to be about 75% of the population vaccinated to reach herd immunity levels.

“I’m not sure that’s accurate or how they reached that number, but we have to do as much as we can to get through this stage,” Fierro said.

The on-campus vaccination distribution center would be a drive-thru much like other LA County centers. “This is the part we are trying to work out, we are open and willing to have it here but the county requires certain protocols be met for distribution.

“Right now they are considering using parking lot 10. Although it’s a decent amount of space, it may not be enough for what they require. There has to be an area after the vaccine has been issued where the vehicles can wait the required 30 minute time frame.

“The officials would need to check patients to make sure the vaccine did not have any adverse effects, that might prevent driving or that would create some type of incidents while driving,” said Fierro.

“The other location option up for consideration is lot 1. Lot 1 has other considerations that make it a good spot, like the ease of entering from Alondra Blvd.,” said Fierro.

“Cerritos is centrally located to the 91 and 605 freeways, making this a great location for the surrounding communities.

I often feel as though this community and the communities surrounding the college are often unserved by the county as a whole. But we will help fill in this gap and provide an opportunity for those who want the vaccine to receive it,” Fierro said.

For further information about the vaccine and distribution lists click on this link LA County Public Health.

Story continues below advertisement
About the Contributors
Jacqueline Cochran, News Editor
Jacqueline Cochran is the News Editor for Talon Marks this semester.  She is returning to the Talon Marks family for a second time.  Last semester she completed all the requirements for an AA degree in Journalism.  She hopes to transfer to California State University Long Beach in the Fall to begin working on a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism.  She enjoys writing, watching movies, traveling and trying new things.  Last year she learned how to swim which was a long time goal. This year's new thing will be kayaking and skating.
DaVont’e Booker, Staff Writer
DaVont’e Booker, Last semester at Cerritos moving more north. New to the Talon Marks Newspaper. Major is Journalism and Communications and hopefully plans to move to San Francisco by 2024 with friends. Enjoys Music, skateboard rides, traveling and photography. I don’t really care where I work or what I do, I just want to be happy and at peace with my life.
View Comments (10)
More to Discover

Comments (10)

All Talon Marks Picks TM Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Leave a Reply to Susan Singer Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • R

    Ray FernandezFeb 10, 2021 at 10:39 am

    My mother is 84 we live in Cerritos and infront of Cerritos College. i am taking care of her, she has some precondition problems. Please let me know. Thank you

    Reply
  • N

    Noel RilleraFeb 5, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    I am 66. Still waiting for Pfizer Vac. Tks

    Reply
  • C

    Candida barreraFeb 1, 2021 at 5:41 pm

    Im 86 years old , l would like to have the vaccine…thanks

    Reply
  • B

    Barbara GravettFeb 1, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    My husband and I are both over 70 years of age and we would like to get the COVID 19 vaccine. We are residents of Cerritos, with pre-existing conditions.

    Reply
  • B

    Barbara GravettFeb 1, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    My husband and would like to get the COVID 19 vaccine. We are residents of Cerritos, with pre-existing conditions.

    Reply
  • F

    Fan Lan ShihFeb 1, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    Hi, l am 70 , l live in Cerritos. I need a COVID 19 Vaccine. I hope can get from Cerritos college!

    Reply
  • M

    Marcella VasquezJan 31, 2021 at 9:02 am

    Hi. I’m 72 years old and live in Norwalk. I need covid vaccine immediately due my health. PLEASE inform me immediately. Thanks.

    Reply
  • M

    Mohamed R. JainoorJan 29, 2021 at 12:23 pm

    Hello,
    We’re Cerritos.residents. My wife and I want to get the vaccine for COVID 19. We’re both over 67 with pre existing conditions. Please register and give us an appointment for the drive through ASAP.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  • K

    KennethJan 21, 2021 at 7:03 pm

    Hi, I am 88 years old, and would like to know when will be the available for the covid vaccine

    Reply
  • S

    Susan SingerJan 20, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    I live in Lakewood and am 73. Am eligible to come to Cerritos College for my vaccine

    Reply
Activate Search
Cerritos College preparing campus for vaccine distribution