COVID-19 vaccine is here, but supply is low
The vaccine is one of the most important ways to end the pandemic. But supplies are limited.
We are currently vaccinating healthcare workers, people 65 and over, and people who work in education, childcare, emergency services, and food and agriculture. The vaccine will be available by appointment at high-volume and community sites, certain clinics, and pharmacies.
When it's your turn, step up for your health, the health of your loved ones, and of your community.
What you need to know
Who can get the vaccine now?
People eligible for the vaccine now are:
- Healthcare workers (See vaccination options for healthcare workers)
- People 65 years and older
- Education and childcare workers
- Emergency services workers
- Food and agriculture workers
See more details from the state about current eligibility.
Get vaccinated if you’re eligible. Some sites are only booking appointments for people 75 and older due to limited supply.
When can I get the vaccine?
Starting March 15, people who have certain disabilities or health conditions will be eligible for the vaccine. See details from the state.
Even if you are eligible, there may not be a dose available right now. The vaccine remains in very limited supply. Keep checking for available appointments.
The general public will likely not have access to the vaccine until later in 2021, when there is more vaccine. Get notified when you’re eligible for the vaccine.
Where can I get the vaccine?
Many people will receive the vaccine by making an appointment at one of the high-volume sites that the City and local healthcare providers are currently setting up.
The vaccine will also be provided through select community clinics and pharmacies as well as neighborhood vaccine access sites.
You can ride Muni or Paratransit for free, to and from your appointment.
How do vaccines work?
Current vaccines require people to get 2 doses, 3 or 4 weeks apart, depending on which vaccine.
Both doses should be from the same vaccine type.
The vaccine teaches our cells to make harmless proteins that look like the virus. Your immune system recognizes that this protein does not belong, and builds an immune response to get rid of it.
Your immune system can then fight the real virus if you are exposed later.
How are the vaccines approved?
More than 70,000 people of different ages, races, ethnicities, and medical conditions participated in clinical trials to make sure the vaccines meet safety standards and offer the protections we need.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews all data before recommending any COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines have a long history of safety and effectiveness. While COVID-19 vaccine is being scaled up as quickly as possible, procedures are in place to ensure safety.
Do I still have to wear a mask after getting the vaccine?
Yes! It will take time for everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccine to get one. You would also need to get 2 doses of the current vaccines to be fully protected. It will still take a few weeks to build full immunity.
Also, while the vaccine may prevent you from getting sick, it is unknown at this time if you can still carry and transmit the virus to others.
Until more is understood, keep protecting yourself and others. Keep wearing your mask and staying 6 feet apart.
Vaccination rollout
Who can get the vaccine now
While the vaccine supply is limited, the state has established a priority plan based on age and risk of exposure. See more details from the state about current eligibility.
People eligible for the vaccine now are:
- Healthcare workers (See vaccination options for healthcare workers)
- People 65 years and older
- Education and childcare workers
- Emergency services workers
- Food and agriculture workers
Get vaccinated if you’re eligible.
Even if you are eligible, there may not be a dose available right now. The vaccine remains in very limited supply. Keep checking for available appointments
Who is next for the vaccine
Starting March 15, people who have certain disabilities or health conditions will be eligible for the vaccine. You can find updates at the State’s vaccination page.
Who is in later phases
The state is still defining who is in future phases. You can find updates at the State’s vaccination page.
The state of California is determining who gets the vaccine and when.