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Coronavirus Vaccine

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Latest Vaccination Information

FDA Approves COVID-19 Vaccine - On Aug. 23, 2021, the FDA approved the vaccine, Comirnaty, for the prevention of COVID-19 for those 16 years old and older, which had been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine under the emergency use authorization. Read the details on the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-covid-19-vaccine​ ​

SCPH - Weekly Update of COVID-19 Vaccination Locations​

Get the Facts about the Vaccine - Confused about what's true or false when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccines? We get it. These facts will help you: SCPH - Vaccine FAQs, Facts and Vaccination Locations and the CDPH - COVID-19 Facts Infographic​ 

CDC: ​ July 27, 2021 Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People​​

State Provides a Portal to Access Your Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record - Learn more and access your digital vaccine record by going to https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ ​ 
(If you have difficulty accessing your digital My Vaccine Record, learn more at CDPH's FAQ webpage: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/faq or fill out their troubleshooting form: https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/unmatched​)​​

CDPH Vaccine Record Guidelines & Standards - https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Vaccine-Record-Guidelines-Standards.aspx​​

​See more archived Recent News below.

Get the COVID-19 Vaccine Today

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone and will help protect you from getting sick with COVID-19 and lowers the chance of spreading the virus to your loved ones. Vaccines are one of our most powerful tools to end the pandemic. 

Find a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Near You:  http://bit.ly/SacCountyVaccine​

  • May 13, 2021 - Sacramento County residents aged 12 and older are eligible to receive​ the COVID-19 vaccine.

Need help getting the COVID-19 vaccination in Sacramento County?  ​Call 211 Sacramento at 916-529-4519 to be connected with someone who can make a vaccination appointment for you - no computers needed! 211 Sacramento​ offers social service referrals in multiple languages, too. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Survey - Request​ an on-site COVID-19 vaccination clinic for your place of business​​​ 

Free Rides to COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

​Have COVID-19 vaccination questions? 

​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 

Recent News Archive

Vaccine Ambassador Training June 17 - Become a Vaccine Ambassador! Together we can empower ourselves, our families, and our communities! This training will educate you to become a trusted source to inform Sacramento communities about COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more on the Vaccine Ambassador Training Flyer (Chinese/Mandarin | Hmong | Spanish)​

Vax for the Win: California's Vaccine Incentive Program: 1) $50 cards - The first 2 million Californians (as of May 27) to start and complete their COVID-19 vaccination will receive a prepaid virtual card or grocery gift card from Kroger or Albertsons; 2) $50,000 Fridays - 30 winners in total will be selected for the cash prize drawings on June 4 and June 11, to each receive $50,000; 3) $15 million in prizes - On June 15, ten lucky Californians will win $1.5 million each – for a grand total of $15 million in cash prizes.  For details go to California's Vax for the Win webpage: https://covid19.ca.gov/vax-for-the-win/​

What families need to know about COVID-19 vaccines​  ​(translated document​)

FDA Expands Pfizer Vaccine EUA for Ages 12-15 - Next Steps

On May 10, the FDA expanded the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age​. By mid-week, the next step is for the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to make its review, as well as the Western States Scientific Safety Review to independently review the FDA's expanded EUA related to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Upon their approval, the use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year may begin in California counties. ​​​

Sacramento County Public Health Agrees J&J Vaccine Use Should Resume - On April 23, 2021 the FDA and CDC lifted the recommended pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine following a thorough safety review. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also supported this recommendation. Sacramento County Public Health agrees that the vaccine is safe and providers should resume use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine to prevent the continued spread of the disease, severe disease, and deaths from COVID-19.

Transitions Vaccination Site to Curative - Read the 3/19 ​ article​ for details. ​

CDPH Vaccine Distribution ​

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 has be provided in phases to those with highest risk. Sacramento County Public Health is working with local partners including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics for vaccine distribution.  ​Visit the California Vaccination Progress Dashboard - https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/#California-vaccines-dashboard​​ ​


~ 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. ~

Get the Facts about the Vaccine - Confused about what's true or false when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccines? We get it. These facts will help you:

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

Where are the vaccination locations throughout Sacramento County? 
Current locations that are vaccinating eligible individuals include Health Care Providers such as clinics and hospitals, Safeway Pharmacies, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club Cal Expo, Cal NorthState, Sacramento State, McClellan Park and other various smaller sites.  To make an appointment or locate a site doing walk-ups, visit http://bit.ly/SacCountyVaccine or https://myturn.ca.gov/ 

Johnson & Johnson
Sacramento County Public Health Agrees J&J Vaccine Use Should Resume - On April 23, 2021 the FDA and CDC lifted the recommended pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine following a thorough safety review. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also supported this recommendation. Sacramento County Public Health agrees that the vaccine is safe and providers should resume use of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine to prevent the continued spread of the disease, severe disease, and deaths from COVID-19.

Must you have an appointment in advance to obtain the vaccination or can you walk in?
It is suggested to have a scheduled appointment. At this time, many locations throughout Sacramento County are offering same day appointments. Some locations have also started to offer walk-in appointments. The online appointment schedule can be accessed at http://bit.ly/SacCountyVaccine​ or https://myturn.ca.gov/​ . You can email COVID19Vaccine@saccounty.net with any questions.  If you need assistance making an appointment you can call 211 or 916-529-4519 and they can schedule for you.

I am a Veteran, is the VA providing COVID-19 vaccinations?
If you are a Veteran the VA Northern California Health Care System (VANCHCS) is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to all enrolled Veterans, regardless of age, and their registered caregivers. COVID-19 vaccinations are available by appointment only at any of our vaccine clinics in Mather, Martinez, Auburn, Chico, Fairfield, Mare Island, McClellan, Oakland, Redding, Yreka and Yuba City. Enrolled Veterans and registered caregivers can request an appointment by:
Sending a Secure Message in My HealtheVet to COVID VACCINE SCHEDULING – NCHCS. Calling 1-800-382-8387 and selecting option 8. The call center is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding federal holidays, Monday through Friday.

Can I get a vaccination right away?
Vaccine appointment availability has increased significantly recently. As of May 12, eligibility is open to all residents 12 years and older who lives or works in Sacramento County.  Youth who are 12 -17 years of age will need to make an appointment for the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine is being dispensed by Sacramento County Public Health primarily at Cal Expo, McClellan Park, Sacramento State, Cal North State and Del Paso vaccination sites. Anyone 18 years and older are can make appointments for Pfizer or Moderna. You can visit the California’s vaccination webpage at https://covid19.ca.gov/vaccines/#California's-vaccination-plan to find out more information.

Are vaccines available for children under 12 years of age?
No COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for use in children under 12 at this time. Vaccine trials require that there is enough evidence on the timing, safety, effectiveness and practical aspects of vaccinating children for the coronavirus, especially children under age 12. 

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 a registration link will be emailed to the participant approximately one week prior to needing their second dose.  If you are looking for a second dose of Pfizer and have been unable to find one you can call 916-529-4519 to make a vaccine appointment. This is the 7 digit phone number to connect community members directly with 211 Sacramento. 

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. While people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 do appear to have some immunity to the virus, we still don’t know how powerful that immunity is — or how long it lasts. The vaccine produces antibody response in everyone. We know the vaccines are 95% effective in preventing you from getting COVID-19 and we want everyone to get that benefit. 

What does it mean to be fully vaccinated?
Being fully vaccinated means it has been two weeks or more since you’ve received the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks since your received a single-dose vaccine. 

Do I still need to get tested if I am fully vaccinated?
Any fully vaccinated person who experiences symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others, be clinically evaluated and tested for COVID-19, if indicated. The symptomatic fully vaccinated person should inform their healthcare provider of their vaccination status.

Do I still need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I received two doses of the vaccine?
For fully vaccinated persons, face coverings are not required outdoors except when: Attending crowded outdoor events, such as:
Live performances
Parades
Fairs
Festivals
Sports events
Other similar settings

For unvaccinated persons, face coverings are required outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Face coverings are also required when: Attending crowded outdoor events, such as:
Live performances
Parades
Fairs
Festivals
Sports events
Other similar settings
Face coverings are required, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor settings outside of one’s home, such as public transportation, except as outlined below. 
Fully vaccinated people can visit, without wearing masks or physical distancing: 
Other fully vaccinated people in indoor or outdoor settings
Unvaccinated people (including children) from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease.

Learn more about mask requirements in CDPH’s Guidance for use of face coverings: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/guidance-for-face-coverings.aspx​

Do I still need to quarantine after an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, if I am fully vaccinated?
Most fully vaccinated people with no COVID-like symptoms do not need to quarantine, or be restricted following an exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, as their risk of infection is low. However, they should still monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days following an exposure. If they experience symptoms, they should isolate themselves from others, be clinically evaluated for COVID-19 and tested if indicated.

I would like to volunteer to help in vaccination efforts, where do I sign up?
At this time, the best way to become a volunteer is to register with the Sacramento Medical Reserve Corps.  We are utilizing volunteers at many of our vaccination sites: https://sacoes.saccounty.net/SacramentoMedicalReserveCorps/Pages/default.aspx

Where can I email or call if I have questions?
If you have questions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, please email COVID19Vaccine@saccounty.net or call the Sacramento County COVID Hotline at 916-875-2400.

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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. 

You will need one dose of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or a two-dose series for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines a few weeks apart for them to work. It will take a week or two after the final shot for your body to build protection. 

Vaccine Announcements

4/26/21 - CDPH Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Updates on Use and CDPH J&J Vaccine Benefits/Risks Fact Sheet​​​ - (Spanish​)

4/13/21 - Sacramento County Halts Use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine - FDA and CDC paused use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine on 4/13/21 in U.S. to study six reports of blood clots.​​

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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Sacramento County COVID-19 Community Pop-Up Vaccination Site Interest Form

Is your organization interested in hosting a community COVID-19 vaccine pop-up site in Sacramento County? Please fill out the COVID-19 Community Pop-Up Vaccination Site Interest Form​. 

Get COVID-19 vaccine data information on the Sacramento County Public Health COVID-19 Dashboards,  Vaccination tab for: ​ Total allocated, Total administered, Administered to residents, 1st/2nd doses (Updated Fridays, excl. holidays)​​ and the Social Vulnerability Index - U.S. Census data used to determine​ social vulnerability that is ranked on 15 social factors​

CDPH Allocation Guidelines for COVID-19 Vaccine 

  • Updated 3/11/21 - Caregivers, childcare workers, couriers, janitors, massage therapists, public transit/commercial air, utility workers​​​

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 (*SCPH Coordinating Vaccinations Now)
  • * Frontline essential workers, including manufacturing, transportation, facilities and services, emergency workers in utilities, public transit/commercial​ air
  • * Congregate settings with outbreak risk including incarcerated and people experiencing homelessness

​​March 15

  • ​* Age 16-64 years old with high-risk medical conditions​​: Cancer with weakened immune system; Chronic kidney disease (stage 4 or above); Chronic pulmonary disease (oxygen dependent); Down syndrome; Solid organ transplant with weakened immune system; Pregnancy; Sickle cell disease; Heart conditions (i.e., heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies [not hypertension]); Severe obesity (body mass index at or more than 40 kg/m2); Type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

​​​April 1 

  • * Age 50+

​April 15


  • * ​Age 16+​​

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​ 
​Quick Links