FDA and the CDC have called for a pause in distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 

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Dear John

I know that Rosa promised last week in our email that this week’s newsletter would focus on post-vaccination precautions and re-emergence opportunities. But today I want to address a vaccine update from the FDA and CDC -- I promise next week will have a more optimistic overview of what widespread vaccination means for all of us.

As you may have heard, the FDA and the CDC have called for a pause in distribution of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 ([link removed]) vaccine because six recipients (all of whom are women between the ages of 18-48) have developed a very rare blood disorder causing clots a side effect within two weeks after receiving the single dose vaccination. FDA and CDC play important roles in keeping us safe and healthy, and we appreciate the regulators acting fast to take a look at these issues, the FDA and the CDC have emphasized that this does indeed appear to be extremely rare. My office and I will continue to monitor the news and updates coming from the Federal government and keep everyone updated as we get more information.

If you have already received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (as I did myself),I understand that this news can be nerve racking. While the FDA and the CDC are looking into this it is also important to remember that this side effect is incredibly rare, about 7 million Americans ([link removed]) have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine without serious side effects. Much of medicine is weighing the harm of two options, and at the moment COVID is still the biggest risk to New Yorkers, and the rest of the world. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to be incredibly effective, and you should get one as soon as possible if you have not already.

If you recently received the Johnson & Johnson just be sure to self monitor over the next few days. If you develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks of receiving the vaccine contact your doctor.

If you had an appointment to get a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the state announced that their sites will keep scheduled appointments and administer Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead. If you had an appointment elsewhere that got canceled and are having trouble rescheduling, please feel free to reach out to our office at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or 718.499.1090 (leave a message and someone will call you back).

I will be sure to keep you updated as my office receives more information.

Stay masked, wash your hands, and stay strong!

In Solidarity,

Brad

Covid-19 Updates and Resources
* Latest Virus Data: In NYC, 3,008 new COVID cases were reported April 12th, for a total of 888,395 cases since the start of the pandemic. We have lost 31,853 people in NYC from the virus, including sadly 61 reported on April 12th. The number of new cases and the positivity rate have been declining slightly for the past week, but the citywide 7-day rolling average of positive test rates is 5.28%. City data here ([link removed]) .
* Vaccine Data: As of today, 5,985,655 vaccine doses have been delivered to New York City, and 5,180,338 have been administered. For more information on vaccine eligibility, locations, and data, visit the NYC Vaccine Command Center’s Website ([link removed]) . (And you can review our office’s Vaccine FAQ here ([link removed]) ).
* Beware of COVID Vaccine Scams: Please ignore any individual or organization claiming to be able to provide a vaccine in exchange for payment. No vaccine distributors will ask you for Social Security, credit card, or bank account information. The vaccine is completely free, regardless of whether you have health insurance. If you suspect any fraudulent activity relating to COVID-19, please call the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Action Center Hotline at 718-250-2340.
* Get Tested: Even with these new vaccines in circulation it is still so important to keep up our social distancing, wear masks, and get tested. For information about testing sites around the city, visit New York City’s Covid-19 testing website ([link removed]) .
* Self Senior Sign up: If you are a senior or know a senior who would benefit from free friendly calls from the Neighbor Network during this isolating time, you can now sign up here by filling out this form ([link removed]) or calling 914.572.5526.

Education Updates and Resources
* Pre-K application deadline has been extended to April 19. You can apply online or by phone. Sign up for the pre-K admissions email list ([link removed]) for updates, tips, and reminders. Throughout the admissions process, you'll use MySchools.nyc ([link removed]) to learn about pre-K programs, apply, get your offer, and learn about waitlists. For more information visit the DOE pre-K website ([link removed]) .
* 3-K for All Districts: Starting this fall, DOE will expand 3-K programs across the city ([link removed]) . In school districts in and around this part of Brooklyn (15, 13, 20) DOE will offer 3-K seats to as many families as possible. New programs for next school year will continue to be added to the 3-K application through May. You cansign up ([link removed]) for the 3-K admissions email list to be notified as new 3-K programs are added. You can find out your school district by calling 311 or visiting schools.nyc.gov/Find-a-School. Then visit MySchools ([link removed]) to create your MySchools account ([link removed]) through which you can explore 3-K options, build your application, and apply online. The 3-K application deadline has been extended to May 28.
* Standardized Tests are Now Opt-In: Fully remote and in-person students both now have the option to participate in state exams in grades 3-8. Schools will conduct outreach to all families on whether you would like your student to participate in this year’s state exams. If a family does not notify their school that they wish to have their child sit for the exam they will not participate nor will they be penalized. Schools will have multiple days to administer the exams.
+ Grade 3-8: ELA April 19th-29th
+ Grade 3-8: Mathematics May 3rd-14th
+ Grade 4 and 8: Science June 7th-11th
* Summer Rising: The City announced today its Summer Rising program. This is a free summer plan for kids K-12 who want to participate. The City will use the Community Schools strategy to integrate the New York City Department of Education academics support and DYCD’s school based enrichment programming to create the first-ever comprehensive summer program during the most critical summer for New York City students. Applications for in-person K-8 programs will open on Monday, April 26, and families can sign up through the discover DYCD website ([link removed]) . Kindergarten and elementary school
students will participate in a five-day a week program for seven weeks, providing critical childcare services for families as they return to the workplace. Students with 12-month IEPs will participate in a five-day a week program for six weeks. Middle school students will participate in a four-day a week program for six weeks, and high school students will participate in a five week program with tailored scheduling to meet their needs. In addition, high school students will have the opportunity to engage in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and participate in the Public Schools Athletic League. Schools will begin outreach to families of high school students in the coming weeks to confirm participation.

PB Updates
* VOTE! There are only two days to vote for participatory budgeting projects. View the projects and cast your ballot (in English, Spanish or Bangla) here. ([link removed])

Other Updates and Resources
* Legal Services Hotline: NYC Financial Justice Hotline is a free legal hotline for low-income NYC residents. The hotline staffed in English and Spanish, provides free legal information, advice, and referrals on a wide range of financial justice issues--from discriminatory banking practices to predatory debt collection. You can find more information here ([link removed]) .
* COJO Flatbush Tax Collection: They are offering free tax services for tax season. If you need assistance filing your taxes you can find more information and contact them here ([link removed]) .
* Access Benefits Helpline through Legal Aid: Anyone having trouble with an application to apply for or recertify for HRA cash assistance, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits, can all the Legal Aid Society’s Access to Benefits Helpline at 888-663-6880 M-F 10am-3pm.
* We are redirecting our Fresh Direct Bag Program: After collecting and redistributing more than 50,000 bags, we are transitioning our Fresh Direct bag donation effort now that Fresh Direct has established its own program to connect bag donors with nearby food pantries. A couple of our partners, Masbia and People in Need, are now signed up for direct bag drop off through Fresh Direct’s program. Locations and times are below. You can find the complete list of partners here. ([link removed]) Thank you to the many constituents who have continued to collect and donate their extra bags over the course of the pandemic. This has provided a much needed supply of durable bags to food providers, and helped reduce the number of these bags entering our waste stream. We hope you will continue to donate directly through this new program.


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Contact us:
District 39
456 5th Ave Ste 3
Brooklyn, NY 11215-4076
USA
[email protected]
718-499-1090

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