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How do I get my COVID-19 vaccine?

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This has been updated as of May 30, 2021.

Vaccination is the most important tool to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Every Californian 12 and up is now eligible for vaccination.

As eligibility expands, we understand that it can be frustrating trying to find an appointment. Here are some resources that may help:

~ Telegram app’s Bay Area Vaccine Notification tool can help find vaccine appointments in real time.

~ Vaccine Finder can help locate providers who offer vaccines

~ Dr.B is a website that allows people to sign up for “leftover” vaccines from vials that would otherwise be discarded if not used

~ Find a vaccine near you at vaccines.gov

Keep reading for more vaccine information!

  

State of California / Blue Shield

The State of California selected Blue Shield as a Third Party Administrator (TPA) to coordinate COVID-19 vaccine delivery via the MyTurn tool (or call 833-422-4255).

The MyTurn tool allows individuals to be notified when a vaccine is available to them locally and help them make an appointment. This is available to all California residents — you do not need to be a member of Blue Shield. Find more information here.

Regular Blue Shield members can visit blueshieldca.com/coronavirus and the Vaccine FAQ’s for the latest info on vaccine priorities for Blue Shield members.

 

Stanford Health

Vaccines work!

With the approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 15, Stanford Children’s Health sites are now offering vaccination for this population. They appreciate your patience as they work hard to meet high demand.

Individuals who are aged 12-17 can schedule their vaccination with Stanford Children’s Health or at the Aloha or Cardinal Hall sites. Parental consent is required if under 18 years old.

For all individuals age 18 and older, drop in at any of Stanford’s vaccination sites or schedule a vaccination appointment through MyHealth, or by calling 650-498-9000.

Find vaccine locations near you at stanfordhealthcare.org

 

Sutter / PAMF

Appointments at Sutter are available to anyone age 12 and over. Please confirm your vaccine eligibility at myturn.ca.gov before scheduling a vaccination appointment.

If you’re age 12-17, you can receive the Pfizer vaccine with consent. Bring your parent or guardian to your vaccination, or have them sign this form (English PDF | Spanish PDF), fill out a questionnaire (English PDF | Spanish PDF) and bring both with you.

If you have selected Sutter Health as your system of care (which includes Palo Alto Medical Foundation) sign in or enroll in My Health Online to schedule a first dose appointment. Be sure to choose “COVID-19 Vaccination.” Call (844) 987-6115 to speak with a representative.

 

Kaiser

Kaiser members can visit kp.org/covidvaccine for the latest info on vaccine priorities and how to get a vaccine.

They are currently vaccinating:

  • Patients 12 and older

Learn what to expect at your vaccine appointment

Call their 24/7 recorded message hotline at 1‑855‑550‑0951 (available in English and Spanish) for regular updates. Members will receive email updates on the vaccines by registering on kp.org. Check your vaccine eligibility and find vaccination hubs at MyTurn. For more information, visit kp.org/coronavirus.

You can find vaccine appointments at locations outside of Kaiser Permanente through My Turn or your county’s public health websites.

Find a vaccine location through MyTurn

 

Pharmacy/Grocery

A number of area pharmacies are now offering first and second dose vaccinations to eligible groups. Follow their links to find vaccine appointment information!

CVS – or call (800) 746-7287

RiteAid – they will only accept appointments through this portal

Walgreens

Safeway/Albertsons

Costco

Lucky

 

San Mateo County 

With sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccine, the County of San Mateo is offering vaccination clinics throughout the county to anyone 12 and older. See the times and locations here. Appointments are not required, but residents can see options and sign up through MyTurn.

The State of California’s MyTurn system offers options for online appointment scheduling for vaccine clinics throughout San Mateo County. You can also call the CA COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 (available in multiple languages) for scheduling support.

FAQs are available here and are frequently updated.

Santa Clara County

All individuals age 12 and older who live, work, or attend school in Santa Clara County are eligible to be vaccinated.

New appointments are regularly added by the County of Santa Clara Health System and other providers. The sccfreevax.org website is the official source for vaccine-related info in Santa Clara County. Please check this website for updates. Many providers also provide drop-in opportunities for vaccination.

Visit https://www.sccgov.org/sites/covid19/ to find information about booking your appointment.

 

San Francisco County

People now eligible for the vaccine are:

  • Those 12 years and older, who live, work, or learn in SF

People under 18 can only get the Pfizer vaccine, and need permission from a parent or guardian to be vaccinated, except under certain limited circumstances. . Not all sites will have vaccines (Pfizer) for people under 18. Keep checking for available appointments. 

Community vaccine events are not listed as sites. Check for a vaccine event near you.

Prerana Sangani, MD, May 30, 2021