COVID-19 Testing
Due to the high demand, we are prioritizing COVID-19 testing for current CHC patients showing select symptoms. Current patients can call the CHC Patient Navigation Center at 1-(866) 614-4636 and one of our caring representatives will assist you in scheduling an appointment with a provider or obtaining a COVID-19 testing referral.
CHC is now offering Rapid COVID-19 Testing for CHC patients and community members who are symptomatic at the following locations:
430 S Blosser Road
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 361-8900
Get Directions >>
1205 E Grand Ave, Ste H
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
(805) 994-2300
Get Directions >>
416 Spring St
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 238-7250
Get Directions >>
More information from local county health departments:
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Since COVID vaccines are in high demand with limited supplies/deliveries, we are currently making vaccination appointments only for existing CHC patients who fit the following criteria below. Current patients can call the CHC Patient Navigation Center at 1-(866) 614-4636 and one of our caring representatives will assist you in scheduling an appointment for your vaccine.
Now Vaccinating:
- Any CHC patient ages 18 and older
- Sector populations:
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- Agriculture workers
- Food service & grocery workers
- Education & childcare workers
- Emergency services workers
- Health care workers
- Emergency Service Employees
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Residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties who are not current CHC patients may visit their county health pages below for information on vaccine availability/options:
A COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from developing severe symptoms from contracting COVID-19. You may experience some typical and short-term side effects, which are normal signs that your body is learning to build protection.
Vaccine Facts:
- FACT: All 3 vaccines are equally effective.
- FACT: COVID-19 vaccines do not contain the virus and will not give you COVID-19
- FACT: COVID-19 vaccines do not contain microchips
- FACT: The vaccine will not cause you to falsely test positive for COVID-19
- FACT: People already infected with COVID-19 may still benefit from a vaccination
Based on current research and outcomes, the 3 current vaccines manufactured by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are all equally effective. No one vaccine shows signs of being better than the others. You will receive the same results regardless of which vaccine you receive.
All of the COVID-19 vaccines currently used in the United States DO NOT CONTAIN any live viruses or deactivated Coronavirus cells. While there are several different vaccines under development, each of them is created to teach your immune system how to recognize and build defenses against the COVID-19 virus. After receiving the vaccine, many people may show some short-term symptoms such as a fever or fatigue. These are signs that the vaccine is triggering an immune response as it learns to detect and fight the Coronavirus. These typically last only a day or two.
COVID vaccines DO NOT CONTAIN any microchips and will not place any electronic or trackable components into your body.
The current COVID vaccines in use will not cause you to test positive on a viral test that checks for a current infection. If your body develops the possible and expected immune response, the intended goal of vaccination, you may possibly show up as positive on some antibody tests. Positive antibody tests could indicate that you had a previous infection and that you may have some protection against the Coronavirus. Scientists and experts are currently looking into how COVID-19 vaccinations affect antibody-test results.
At this time, it is unknown how long people remain protected from again becoming getting sick after recovering from COVID-19. The natural immunity someone gains from having an infection will vary from person to person. Some of the early evidence shows natural immunity may not last very long. Since the vaccines are still so new, we will not know how long immunity created by vaccination lasts until we more data on how well it works.
Beware of COVID Vaccine Scams!
County of SLO health officials are getting reports of scams involving COVID-19 vaccines & remind residents: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are using telemarketing calls, email, text messages, social media platforms, & door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19 vaccination-related fraud/scams.
HOW TO SPOT VACCINE SCAMS – watch for signs:
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- Being asked to pay out of pocket to get the vaccine sooner.
- Requirements to provide credit card information for “shipping purposes”.
- Charging a fee to gain access to a vaccine or to add a person’s name to a vaccine waiting list.
- Offers by marketers to sell or ship doses of vaccine for payment.
- Receiving ads or surveys for vaccines through social media platforms or unfamiliar email addresses.
- Claims of FDA approval for a vaccine or treatment of which you’ve never heard
If you are unsure a message you receive is legitimate, reach out to family, friends, or the SLO County Phone Assistance Center at (805) 543-2444 where a staff member will help you determine if it is real or a scam.
Learn more at SLO County Health Agency
Safety During The Pandemic
The most important step in protecting your self and those around you is getting vaccinated. Even after getting your vaccine, there are other precautions and safety measures we all must continue with to help beat this crisis.
Wear a Mask
Social Distance
Wash Hands Frequently
Sanitize Surfaces
Frequent Questions:
- Do I need to schedule an appointment if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
- Do I still need to wear a mask & avoid close contact, even after I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
- Should I get vaccinated even if I already was infected with COVID-19 & recovered?
If you are sick, please call 1 (866) 614-4636 BEFORE coming to any of our clinics. We will advise you on the best way to receive the care you need without compromising your health, the health of other patients, and our staff.
Yes, we must all continue to take the recommended safety precautions to protect ourselves and others. This includes covering the mouth and nose with a face mask, frequent hand washing, & social distancing at least 6 feet – even by those who have received their COVID vaccines. The current vaccines help your body to learn to fight against a possible COVID infection, intended to help reduce severity of any possible symptoms. All COVID-19 vaccines will not stop you from contracting the Coronavirus and they will not stop you from spreading it to others if you come in contact with the virus. Please continue to practice all COVID safety measures per the CDC.
Most likely, yes. While much about re-infection is still being researched, due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 – people may be advised to get vaccinated even if they were already sick with COVID-19.
Community Safety Is Our Top Concern
CHC Offers Telehealth Visits
Some patients with significant, qualifying health risks may be eligible for telehealth visits from CHC. This service allows patients and clinicians to connect directly over the phone. Now you can be “seen” while in the comfort of your home, keeping you and others protected during this time. Please call us at 1 (866) 614-4636 to schedule an appointment. CHC is committed to keeping our communities healthy and safe by following best practices for social distancing.
We Are Keeping Our Sites Clean and Safe
We follow all of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for keeping our areas safe and clean and have procedures in place to maintain them.
- We are regularly disinfecting all surfaces and cleaning waiting rooms.
- We are utilizing appropriate protective equipment as indicated by the CDC.
- We will ask you to wear a mask if you come into one of our sites with fever or respiratory symptoms.
Recent News
Here is another video interview installment with Telemundo’s own José Guzman. This week Jose talks about COVID-19 and vaccinations in the latin communities with Dr. Emilia Ambrosio of Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. This video is in Spanish with English transcription below.
County of SLO health officials are getting reports of scams involving COVID-19 vaccines & remind residents: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers are using telemarketing calls, email, text messages, social media platforms, & door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19 vaccination-related fraud/scams.
