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Coronavirus Vaccine

   ​VA58 SacCounty Vax Schedule.PNG


​​To ensure the limited supply of the vaccine is distributed equitably, distribution is guided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The vaccine will be provided in phases to those with highest risk. Sacramento County Public Health will be working with local partners including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics for vaccine distribution. Monitor this vaccination webpage for timely updates on new phases, vaccine availability and prioritization of groups. ​

When Can I Get Vaccinated?  

Starting February, Sacramento County has begun coordinating vaccinations at various sites for those who are living in Sacramento County and are 75 years old and older, and at other sites for those 65 years old and older. Sacramento County is also u​sing the limited vaccine allocation to continue vaccinating Phase 1a Tier 1 – 3 priority list of workers – healthcare, first responders and congregate care setting staff as well as some groups in Phase 1b Tier 1. 

Vaccination Appointments

For ages 65 and up living in Sacramento County, make an appointment: http://bit.ly/COVIDvax65plus ​

Starting March 1, SacRT Offers Free Rides to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

Learn more about free SacRT rides for COVID-19 vaccination appointments: https://www.sacrt.com/apps/your-free-ride-to-receive-the-covid-19-vaccine/​

​Register your interest in getting the COVID-19 vaccination

*Registration is through Survey Monkey directly to Sacramento County Public Health staff. Sacramento County does not exercise any ed​itorial control over additional surveys Survey Monkey may provide.

Have vaccination questions or need assistance to register your interest in getting the COVID-19 Vaccination? 

​Current Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule​​

Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals Testing Important After Vaccine.PNG

  • Continue using all the tools to help stop this pandemic
  • Vaccine does not contain coronavirus
  • Limited quarantine exemption
  • Testing for COVID-19 is still important even if you have been fully vaccinated 


~ Got your COVID-19 vaccine? Great job! But, don’t share a photo of your vaccination card on social media. The self-identifying information on it makes you vulnerable to identity theft and can help scammers create phony versions. Instead, share your vaccination status safely by using a Facebook profile frame. ~

​ ​CDPH Allocation Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccine 

CDPH ​COVID-19 Allocation Phases/Tiers Guideline (when can I get vaccinated)

Message from CDPH on Counties Pace of Rollout: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has convened a Drafting Guidelines Workgroup which is leveraging national prioritization frameworks and reviewing data regarding occupational exposure and COVID risk to prioritize sectors across phases and tiered population groups. Counties will follow these guidelines in administering vaccine.  However, given the number of people in each of the various tiers in a specific county, the uptake of those in the priority group in getting vaccinated, and the logistics and timeline for use of the vaccine so that no doses go to waste, counties may be in different tiers in administering vaccine to their population.​​

Prioritization of groups are subject to change based on State guidance updates and vaccine supply. ​

​Phase 1A​

​Tier 1 (*SCPH ​Vaccinating Now)

​Tier 2 (*SCPH ​Vaccinating Now)

​Tier 3 (*SCPH ​Vaccinating Now)

Health system providers to vaccinate hospital staff by providers

  • * Acute care, psychiatric and correctional facility hospital staff
  • * Staff at skilled nursing/assisted living facilities, and similar settings for older or those medically vulnerable (staff)
  • * Residents in long-term care settings
  • * Paramedics, EMTs, and others providing emergency medical services
  • * Dialysis center staff
  • * ​Intermediate care facility clients
  • * Home health care and in-home supportive services staff
  • * Community health workers, including
  • * Public health field medical services staff
  • * Staff at primary care clinics, including federally qualified health centers, rural health centers, correctional facility clinics, and urgent care clinics
  • * ​Staff at specialty clinics
  • * Laboratory workers
  • * Dental/oral health clinic staff
  • *​​ Pharmacy staff not in higher tiers/risk settings

​​Phase 1B 

Subject to Change - ​Final Recommendation Being Determined by CDPH​

Currently, by appointment only for *sectors. If you are 65 years old and older, visit, http://bit.ly/COVIDvax65plus​ for information on vaccine availability

Tier 1 (*​SCPH Coordinating Vaccinations Now)

  • *​ Those 65 years and older.
  • Frontline essential workers, including:
    * Emergency services (Non-medical first responders; Law enforcement; Fire fighters; Child and youth services; Shelters; Non-residential social services for elderly/people with disabilities; Durable goods merchants -including safety devices; and Justice and safety activities)
    * Education and child care     (Childcare workers; Preschool/elementary/secondary school; Community colleges/colleges/universities; and Trade schools)
    Food and Agriculture (Ag; Animal, seafood, bakeries food manufacturing/slaughtering/processing; Fruit/vegetable/dairy/specialty foods manufacturing; Grocery/food markets; Food/drinking establishments; Pharmacies/drug stores; Warehouse clubs; Community food services; Nurseries/florists; and Sawmills)
 ​Tier 2
  • Frontline essential workers, including manufacturing, transportation, facilities and services
  • Congregate settings with outbreak risk including incarcerated and people experiencing homelessness

​​​Phase 1C 

Subject to Change - ​Final Recommendation Being Determined by CDPH​

  • Age 50+
  • Those 16-64 years old with high-risk medical conditions.
  • Other essential workers​: Water/waste management; defense; energy; communication & IT; finance​, hazardous materials; government; operations / community service 

Goals for vaccination if supply is limited

To determine which groups should receive limited COVID-19 vaccines, the following goals are recommended:

  • Decrease death and serious disease as much as possible
  • Preserve functioning of society
  • Reduce the extra burden the disease is having on people already facing disparities
  • Increase the chance for everyone to enjoy health and well-being​
CDPH: COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Allocated​

Sacramento County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions​

Where are the vaccination locations throughout Sacramento County?

  • Current locations that are vaccinating Phase 1A and 1B, include Health Care Providers such as clinics and hospitals, Safeway Pharmacies, Cal Expo, Cal NorthState, Sacramento State and other various smaller sites.​

Must you have an appointment in advance to obtain the vaccination or can you walk in?

  • ​Yes all locations require you to have a scheduled appointment.
  • Those that are eligible are sent a private link to access the online appointment schedule. You can also email COVID19Vaccine@saccounty.net for information on the link.
  • Some Health Systems such as Kaiser may be taking phone appointments.

​Are there target dates when we will move into the next vaccination Tier?

I’m over 65, where do I get a vaccine?

  • In early February we will begin to have some vaccine sites open to the 65+ population. Please register on the survey below to find out where those sites are when they become available. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCPH65andolder
  • People over the age of 65 should continue to contact their health care providers to see if vaccine is available through them.

​I’m an essential worker, when do I get a vaccine?

  • You can visit the California’s vaccination plan at https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/#California's-vaccination-plan​ to find out what Phase you are in as an essential worker.
  • Phase 1B is scheduled to be vaccinated next which tentatively includes Tier 1 & Tier 2 (this could change)
  • Tier 1
    • Education and childcare
    • Emergency services
    • Food and agriculture
  • Tier 2
    • Transportation and logistics
    • Industrial, commercial, residential, and sheltering facilities and services
    • Critical manufacturing
    • Congregate settings with outbreak risk: Incarcerated, Homeless

​My doctor referred me to get the vaccination can I get it right away? 

  • The state has also released availability for 65+ residents to request vaccines. There are roughly 200,000 people over the age of 65 in Sacramento County, and the vaccine supply is still extremely limited. At this time our appointment availability may be low and it may be challenging for you to get into an open appointment slot. Sacramento County Public Health continues to urge patience as we work with our federal and state partners to expand capacity and supply in the weeks ahead. 
  • You can check with your healthcare provider to see if they have vaccine, or email covid19vaccine@saccounty.net​ to get further information.

What should I bring with me to the vaccine appointment?

  • Any form of identification with a name and a birthday.
  • Work ID or other form of employment verification if you qualify due to your job classification.
  • U.S. Citizenship or legal residency is not required.

How do I schedule my second dose appointment?

  • Depending on the site participants receive their first vaccine, appointments for second doses will be scheduled during their first appointment or they will be emailed to the participant.

In the two-dose series for the vaccines, can I get one from one manufacturer and the second dose from a different manufacturer (Pfizer and Moderna)?

  • No, you must get both vaccine doses from same manufacturer to get full protection from the vaccines.

If someone already had COVID-19, should they still get the vaccine?

  • Once you have cleared your 10 day isolation period you can receive the vaccine. However, it is recommended that you hold off from receiving the vaccine and receive it after the 90 days have elapsed because the vaccine is still limited in supply and we want to be able to offer it to others who do not have temporary immunity.​

Do I still need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I received two doses of the vaccine?

  • Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic. These tools include: covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others.

Other Vaccine FAQs


The health and safety of the public is the top priority, but some may still have concerns about getting vaccinated for COVID-19. While these vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized or approved for use. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

Summary of the benefits

​The COVID-19 vacci​​​​nation:

  • Is a safer way to help build protection than contracting the COVID-19 virus. Although some have higher risk factors for having severe illness or dying, there is no way to know how seriously COVID-19 will affect your health.  
  • Will help keep you from getting seriously ill from COVID-19.  Based on what we currently know, vaccination may also protect people around you while we continue to wear masks and social distance. 
  • Will be an important tool to fight the virus if you are exposed. However, it is important to still social distance and wear a mask as experts learn more about the transmission and length of vaccine potency. 
  • Will not give you COVID-19 because it does not contain the live virus.​

To learn more, visit the CDC Website: Benefits of Getting the Vaccine.

Coronavirus Variant Strain

It’s been reported by the CDC that a variant strain has been found in the U.S. – including in California. For details about the variant strain and the vaccine, visit the CDC website​. In the meantime, everyone should use the tools we’ve been using to slow the spread of the virus: stay home as much as possible, socially distance, always wear a mask in public, and do not gather with non-household members. 

When a vaccine is found to meet safety and effectiveness standards by the FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will review the data before making vaccine use recommendations to CDC. The vaccines can then be made available for use in the U.S. by approval or emergency used authorization. 

With most COVID-19 vaccines, you will need two shots a few weeks apart for them to work. It will take a week or two after the second shot for your body to build protection. 

Vaccine Safety Monitoring

After a vaccine is authorized or approved for use, many vaccine safety monitoring systems watch for adverse events (possible side effects). This monitoring is critical to help ensure that the benefits continue to outweigh the risks for people who receive vaccines. CDC will link with existing monitoring systems to new safety surveillance systems:

  • CDC: V-SAFE — A new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines.
  • CDC: National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) — A monitoring system for acute care and long-term care facilities. 

Expected and temporary vaccine side effects

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19, but you may have some side effects: 

The common and temporary side effects that are expected after a COVID-19 vaccination may affect your ability to do some activities, but should go away in a few days – such as arm pain, red swelling at injection site, fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. However, these mild side effects can be lessened by taking over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It also helps to drink plenty of fluids, exercise your arm, and apply a clean, damp washcloth over the area. After 24 hours, if the redness/tenderness increases or after a few days the side effects are not going away, call your healthcare provider. Remember to get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.

Possible allergic reaction

Some people may have severe allergic reactions to an ingredient in vaccines. CDC has learned of reports that some people have experienced severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. 

CDC recommends that everyone who receives the COVID-19 vaccines should be monitored onsite for an additional 15 minutes for severe allergic reaction. Those with a history of severe allergic reactions should be monitored for 30 minutes. If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 9-1-1.

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