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CA Bill Would Allow Kids 12 And Up To Make Their Own Decision About Getting Vaccinated

Simon Huizar, 13, receives a first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at a mobile vaccination clinic at the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA on May 14, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.
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PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
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AFP
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Listen 1:42:42
Today on AirTalk, we look at a California proposal that would allow kids 12 and up to make their own vaccination decisions. Also on the show, the latest on COVID-19; checking in on EDD; and more.
Today on AirTalk, we look at a California proposal that would allow kids 12 and up to make their own vaccination decisions. Also on the show, the latest on COVID-19; checking in on EDD; and more.

COVID-19 AMA: L.A. County Hospitalizations Decline, Fauci Suggests Omicron Wave Is Peaking, L.A. Student Mask Requirement, And More

Listen 33:25
COVID Update 1.24.22

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the UCSF Medical Center, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong.

Topics today include:

  • COVID-19 still spreading widely in L.A. County, though signs of decline continue 
  • L.A. County reports third straight drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations 
  • Fauci suggests Omicron wave is peaking, but warns of “more pain” to come 
  • WHO chief warns against talk of “endgame” in pandemic 
  • Data from UCSF sheds light on how many COVID-related hospitalizations are “for” COVID or “with” COVID 
  • At California hospitals, many children are coming in with COVID, not for COVID 
  • New bill would require all California school children be vaccinated against COVID-19 
  • LAUSD to require students to wear non-cloth masks starting Monday 

CA Bill Would Allow Kids 12 And Up To Make Their Own Decision About Getting Vaccinated

Listen 17:52
Vax Work Group 1.24.22

California would allow children age 12 and up to be vaccinated without their parents’ consent, the youngest age of any state, under a proposal introduced Thursday by Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener.

Alabama allows such decisions at age 14, Oregon at 15, Rhode Island and South Carolina at 16. Only Washington, D.C., has a lower limit, at age 11. Sen. Wiener argues that California already allows those 12 and up to consent to the Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, and to treatment for sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse and mental health disorders. Today on AirTalk, we talk with Melody Gutierrez, reporter covering state government and politics for the Los Angeles Times, Scott Wiener, who introduced SB-866 and Dorit Reiss, professor of law at UC Hastings, about the implications and possible legal challenges.

With files from the Associated Press 

EDD Latest: Department Freezes Suspicious Claims, Asks For Retroactive Repayments & We Answer Your Questions

Listen 23:42
EDD Check In 1.24.22

Since the pandemic, California’s Employment Development Department has dealt with “unimaginable” amounts of fraud, with one scheme in Sacramento County totaling $2.7 million from 166 fraudulent EDD claims. This has led the department to crack down on payments, freeze some claims and ask for retroactive payments from those who can’t prove their eligibility.Today on AirTalk, Larry talks about the latest EDD news with San Francisco Chronicle business reporter Carolyn Saidand answers your questions with executive director of the Center for Workers' Rights Daniela Urban.

After A Chaotic NFL Weekend, The Rams Are Now Set To Face The 49ers At So-Fi Stadium

Listen 11:39
RAMS vs 49ers 1.24.22

The Los Angeles Rams (14-5) will host next Sunday’s NFC title game against the San Francisco 49ers (12-7), after two nail-biting playoff games this weekend.

Tom Brady and the Buccaneers rallied from a 27-3 second-half deficit with help from three of the Rams’ four turnovers. With the game tied and less than a minute left, the Rams tandem of wide receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford managed to get the ball up field quickly enough for kicker Matt Gay to hit the game-winning field goal.

The Niners defense and special teams carried the team to a win at a snowy Lambeau Field. After a hard fought game that was tied 10-10, the Niners were able to string together enough offense to allow kicker Robbie Gould to hit a 45-yard field goal, sending the Niners to the next round.

Today on AirTalk, Larry discusses what we saw this weekend and previews the NFC championship game with Gary Klein, Rams beat writer for The Los Angeles Times.

With files from the Associated Press

Where Do You Go When You’re Lonely In LA?

Listen 15:55
Where Do You Go When You're Lonely 1.24.22

While it may be a sprawling city of four million people with interconnecting freeways, Los Angeles can feel like a lonely place sometimes.

L.A. Times staff writer Julissa James took this theme on in a recent photo essay she did along with photos from Times staff photographer Dania Maxwell. “Some people think this is a transplant-only phenomenon,” James writes, “but there’s no denying that the city’s sheer size, its busy nature, its car culture are all conducive to loneliness. Of course, the city is deeply connected in many ways. There are thriving communities to be found, and it’s not all soulless sprawl. Angelenos who spend the majority of their time alone can attest to the bittersweet benefits of rolling solo: While the city can trigger loneliness, it also feels special to experience alone.”

Today on AirTalk, Julissa James joins us to talk about the inspiration she drew from her own experiences being lonely in Los Angeles that led her to write the piece and highlight some of the places she likes to go when she’s feeling lonely, or when she wants to be lonely.