Where & How To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine In The Bay Area?

Quick Digest: 

• As of February 5th, California has received approximately 5.6 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna coronavirus vaccines. Of this 5.6 million, California has administered 2,910,562 doses to its residents.
• California is currently in phase 1a of vaccine distribution and is transitioning towards phase 1b. Accordingly, healthcare workers, long-term care residents, individuals 65 and older, people with occupational risk of exposure (education, emergency services, food, and agriculture), and people with residence in vulnerable communities can access the vaccine.
• California will expand vaccinations to people eligible in phase 1b, tier 2 soon, which would expand vaccination for essential workers with a risk of exposure, incarcerated individuals, and homeless people.

What you need to know about the COVID-19 Vaccine in the Bay Area

In December 2020, the FDA granted emergency use authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. 

• Both vaccines demonstrated over 94% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 during clinical trials.
• Both vaccines utilize mRNA to teach your body how to recognize and kill the coronavirus should you be exposed. Since mRNA cannot enter the nucleus of cells, these vaccines will not alter your DNA.
• Both vaccines require two doses, spaced approximately three to four weeks apart. Immunity will take time to build once you have been vaccinated, so you should continue to take precautions and act as though you are not vaccinated. Continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hand with soap and water.
• Your second dose needs to be from the same company as your first dose. In other words, if you received the Pfizer vaccine for your first dose, you need to receive the Pfizer vaccine for your second dose.

For more information on COVID myths debunked, see our article here. Alternatively, if you want to know what to expect after your COVID vaccine, see our article here. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is available in the Bay Area for all who qualify in Phase 1a

California is currently allowing people in phase 1a as well as some phase 1b individuals to get vaccinated. Demand for the vaccine is extremely high; however, there are not enough vaccines to meet this demand. 

Therefore, just because you are eligible, does not mean you will be able to get vaccinated immediately. The following people are currently eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine in the Bay Area.

• Healthcare workers.
• Long-term care facility residents

It is expected that phase 1b tier A will begin soon. This group includes:

• Individuals aged 65 and older
• Education and childcare
• Emergency services
• Agriculture and food

Phase 1b tier 2 is estimated to begin thereafter. Once phase 1b is in full effect, the following groups will be eligible for vaccination. The full list can be found here.

• Transportation and logistics
• Industrial, commercial, residential, and sheltering facilities and services
• Critical manufacturing
• Congregate settings with outbreak risk:
  • Incarcerated
  • Homeless