Get vaccinated against COVID-19

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

They also lower the risk of developing long Covid.

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.

Even if you don't have insurance, pharmacies will still give you a vaccine or booster.

One of our affiliated sites

If you:

• Don’t have insurance
• Are a member of the San Francisco Health Network
• Have had a hard time getting access to vaccines

Go to one of our affiliated vaccine sites.

Community and at-home vaccinations

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 good choices. They work better against newer variants of the virus and have fewer dangerous side effects.
• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) is being phased out and will be discontinued as of May 6, 2023.
• Novavax is still available through health systems, pharmacies, and at some SF Public Health vaccine sites. 

About Novavax

Novavax is a two-dose primary series available for those aged 18 years and older who have not yet received any prior COVID-19 vaccinations.

You can get the Novavax vaccine at the following locations:

• Southeast Health Center 2401 Keith Street Tuesday thru Saturday from 9am to 5pm (drop-in)
• 1099 Sunnydale Ave Mondays 9:30 to 4:30 pm (drop-in)
• Ella Hill Hutch, 1181 Golden Gate, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am to 5:30pm (drop-in)
• I.T. Bookman Center, 446 Randolph Street, Fridays 9am to 4pm and 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month 10am to 2:30pm (drop-in)

Doses for the primary series are given 3 to 8 weeks apart. (3 weeks apart is for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised).

Almost all Novavax recipients should get Pfizer or Moderna bivalent vaccine for their booster dose. Novavax  is not used as a booster dose unless for medical reasons you cannot receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

If you are under 18

You can get Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. 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 nearly all persons receiving Novavax, Pfizer and Moderna, 2 doses finish your first series.

(Persons with immune compromise and children ages 6 months to 4 years of age, please check with your healthcare provider as a 3-dose primary series may be recommended for you.)

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

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

Try to get your 2nd dose at the same location as your first dose. If it’s not available there, find a different vaccination location.

If you are late for the 2nd dose, you don’t need to start over, just get it as soon as you can.

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

Get boosted

Persons ages 6 months and older are eligible to get a single booster dose with the current (2022-23) bivalent Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. 

• Bivalent boosters are available to all San Franciscans aged 6 months and older and are recommended to be given starting 2 months after completing the primary series. 

Find out where you can get your booster.

Stay up-to-date 

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

• Finished your first series of vaccines
• Got all your boosters that you qualified for

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

For children aged 6 months through 4 years, the booster schedule depends on whether the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine was given for the primary series.

To determine your child’s eligibility please check with your healthcare provider or refer to this CDC infographic.   

Someone who finished their first series, but who doesn’t yet qualify for their boosters, 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.

Consider an extra dose if 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.

If you’re a healthcare provider

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