NEW: Vaccinations for People Aged 75+ Available Feb 5-8
Below is an important message from the City of Berkeley:
Berkeley and Alameda County residents who are at least 75 years of age can sign up for one of a limited set of drive-through COVID-19 vaccination appointments starting on Friday Feb. 5.
These vaccinations, which are being coordinated by the City of Berkeley at a site in Albany, align with state guidelines and target the ages most vulnerable to hospitalization and death as a result of COVID-19 disease.
These appointment-only vaccinations are available for people seeking their first dose. Curative Inc., the vendor, will add those with appointments into their notification system for second appointments.
The vaccinations will take place Feb. 5 through Monday Feb. 8 at the site, which is at the foot of Buchanan Street near the Albany Bulb. Make your appointments online:
COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Form, Friday Feb. 5 - 8.
This form will ask you for basic demographic information to confirm your eligibility for an appointment. You will receive a confirmation email with the date and time of your appointment.
Transport option for Berkeley seniors, disabled
For Berkeley residents who need physical assistance with mobility to get to the site, a ride service supported by the City can help some people get to their appointments for a $15 fee.
Once you have an appointment time, check your eligibility, register for services, and schedule a ride by contacting Easy Does It at 510-704-2111.
Easy Does It will ask health screening questions to ensure the rider safety and the safety of the driver. Personal protective equipment is worn by drivers, and face coverings are required of riders.
With vaccine supply limited, sign up for notification lists
The limited national supply means that it will take many months for vaccines to reach the general population.
No matter what your age, you can prepare by understanding what your health care provider's process is and signing up for notification lists based on your eligibility.
The City of Berkeley's list will be used to notify people when new vaccination opportunities are made available by Berkeley Public Health.
Large health care providers, such as Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health, receive their own limited supply of vaccine through the state and are beginning to schedule appointments for members 75 or older:
Sutter Health patients who are healthcare workers or age 75 and older can schedule appointments through their website or by calling (844) 987-6115.
Kaiser Permanente has stated they will contact members who are 75 or older directly when appointments are available. Kaiser Permanente members who are health care workers, emergency medical service providers, or long term care patients can schedule an e-visit to request a vaccine appointment.
The limited supply of vaccines is also being distributed through other channels, such as a federal program for long-term care facilities and the health service for UC Berkeley.
No matter what list you are on, keep tabs on your email and take immediate action when you receive a notification that you are eligible to make an appointment.
Everyone will get the vaccine eventually, but it will take time.
These safe, highly effective vaccines are free to the public. As federal supplies eventually increase, COVID-19 vaccines will also be available to all.
The two currently approved vaccines -- Moderna and Pfizer - are for adults and each require two doses to have roughly 95 percent efficacy.
All tools needed to end the pandemic
Each vaccination helps build up our resilience to the virus, even as it still kills thousands across the nation.
The vaccine is not a panacea. We need to use all the tools the CDC has identified to fight this pandemic. Everyone - even those who are vaccinated - need to wear masks and avoid gatherings. Many people remain vulnerable.
Each time someone wears a mask, avoids a gathering, keeps distance from other households or gets a vaccine, they help protect our community.
Learn from your health care provider how they are scheduling vaccinations. If you would like to receive information from the City of Berkeley as eligibility expands or appointments become available, sign up for our notification list.