Get vaccinated against COVID-19

Vaccines and boosters are highly effective at preventing people from getting very sick or dying from COVID-19.

Where to go

Your doctor’s or healthcare group

Set up a time with your doctor or healthcare group.

The majority of people in San Francisco get their vaccines this way. Large health systems and some clinics have vaccine sites that can take in more people.

A nearby pharmacy

You can also go to a nearby pharmacy. Many take drop ins.

You may be asked to give proof of insurance. But pharmacies will still give you a vaccine or booster if you don’t have insurance.

One of our affiliated sites

If you don’t have insurance, are a member of the San Francisco Health Network, or face barriers accessing vaccines, go to one of our affiliated vaccine sites. Many take drop ins.

Find a place

Find a large healthcare, pharmacy, or public health site where you get vaccinated in San Francisco. Many take drop ins.

You can also get vaccinated at community vaccine events. Check for a vaccine event near you.

Those homebound or living in high-risk situations may get vaccinated at home.

Choose a vaccine

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are preferred. They work better against newer variants of the virus and have fewer dangerous side effects.

Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) is available in certain situations.

Talk to your doctor and check availability if booking.

If you are under 18, you can only get a Pfizer vaccine. See more about getting vaccinated if you are under 18.

All vaccine types are tested, safe, and effective. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines from the CDC.

Get your first series of doses

For both Pfizer and Moderna, 2 doses finish your first series.

Get your 1st and 2nd dose as close to these intervals as possible:

• Pfizer, 3 to 8 weeks apart
• Moderna, 4 to 8 weeks apart

If you miss this recommended interval, you should still get it.

For Johnson & Johnson, 1 dose completes your first series of vaccination.

For all these vaccines, once you finish your first series, it’ll take 2 weeks for you to reach full immunity.

Try not to miss your second appointment. If you do, get in touch with the location where you got your first dose. If you can’t get a second dose there, find a different vaccine site.

Get boosted

Get your 1st or 2nd booster as soon as you qualify. Learn more about timing your boosters and who can get a second booster.

Stay up-to-date on your vaccines

You’re up-to-date on your vaccines if you both:

• Finished your first series of vaccines
• Got your 1st booster if you qualified

If you’re 5 and older and finished your first series, as soon as you qualify, get your booster. You won’t be up-to-date until you do.

Someone who finished their first series, but who doesn’t yet qualify for a booster, is up-to-date on their vaccines. But once they qualify, if they don’t get boosted, they will no longer be up-to-date.

When your immune system is compromised

If your immune system is moderately or severely compromised, you may need an extra dose of the vaccine. This extra dose is not the same as a booster. Talk to your doctor.

Store your vaccine card

Store your CDC vaccine card in a safe place. If you lose your card, see your options.

Cost and insurance

Vaccines are free. You do not need insurance to get the vaccine.

Ride Muni or Paratransit for free, to and from your appointment

On Muni, show your vaccine card or proof of your appointment. You can also show an email confirmation or a photo of your card. See SF guidance on traveling on public transit.

For Paratransit information, see the SFMTA website.

Take Lyft or Uber for free, to and from getting your vaccine 

Use the app to find a ride. See details from Lyft or Uber.

If you’re a healthcare provider

If you’re a healthcare provider, read instructions and guidance from the San Francisco Department of Public Health.