COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Where to get vaccinated in Berkeley
COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone and available by drop-in or appointment at pharmacies, health care providers, and pop-up clinics across Berkeley and the region.
You do not need insurance to get vaccinated. You will not be asked about immigration status.
On this page
Ways to get vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccines are widely available through other sources including some that offer same-day appointments or drop-in vaccinations for both first, second doses and additional doses (for those with moderately to severely compromised immune systems).
The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone. You do not need insurance to get vaccinated.
MyTurn: Use myturn.ca.gov to schedule appointments at many sites across the state and region, MyTurn is available in 14 languages.
CA COVID-19 hotline: Call 1-833-422-4255 to schedule appointments by phone. Translators are available to support 250 languages.
Local pharmacies: Getting vaccinated at a neighborhood pharmacy may be the most accessible option for many. For booking information, see: CVS, Safeway, Walgreens.
Private health care providers are vaccinating both members and nonmembers: See information from: Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, Stanford Health Care.
Berkeley Public Health clinics: Pop-up vaccine clinics coordinated through the Berkeley Public health listed below.
Berkeley Public Health vaccine clinics
Everyone 18 and up is welcome at any of the Berkeley Public Health vaccine clinics listed on this page. Clinics using Pfizer vaccine are open to everyone 12 and up.
September 29: Ann Chandler Clinic (18+)
Ann Chandler Public Health Center, 830 University Ave.
- Wednesday, 29: 10am-1pm
- Both Moderna and Jannsen (J&J) available
- Walk-up or call 510-981-5350 to make an appointment. Spanish assistance available. If leaving a voicemail, leave your name and phone number and request a call back for a vaccine appointment.
- Additional doses available for those with moderately to severely compromised immune systems as outlined in state guidelines who received the Moderna vaccine. Attestation required
- For doses beyond your first, bring your CDC vaccination card or digital vaccine record if card is unavailable
September 28: Dorothy Day Clinic - Downtown Berkeley (18+)
Dorothy Day House, 1931 Center St.
- Alameda County Community Care Site focused on unhoused population
- Tuesday, September 28: 2-3pm
- Walk-up only
- For those that are 18+
- Moderna and Jannsen (J&J) available
September 29: South Berkeley Clinic (12+)
Berkeley Technology Academy, 2701 Martin Luther King Jr Way
- Pfizer vaccine available
- Wednesday, September 29, 1:30pm-6:30pm
- Schedule an appointment: create a free Carbon Health account and sign-up online
- Parental consent: Those under 18 need parent or guardian permission via signed consent form (see sample), in-person consent at vaccination, or via a phone call. Patients ages 12-15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult before, during, and after their appointment.
- Additional doses available for those with moderately to severely compromised immune systems as outlined in state guidelines who received the Moderna vaccine. Attestation required
- For doses beyond your first, bring your CDC vaccination card or digital vaccine record if card is unavailable
Getting your second dose
Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines require two doses. Even if you had your first dose months ago, it is still important that you receive your second dose to be fully vaccinated.
When you receive your first dose of either vaccine, plan out or schedule your second dose appointment when at the vaccination site. Be sure to keep your CDC vaccine card with you so you can receive your second dose at any available vaccination site and bring it with you wherever you receive your final dose.
If you are not returning to the same location for your second dose, you may be able to receive it at one of the pop-up sites on this page or those listed in the More ways to be vaccinated section above.
You should follow the recommended timing window outlined below for your second dose:
Moderna vaccines
Get your second dose of the Moderna vaccine:
- as close to as possible but no sooner than 28 days (4 weeks) after your first dose
- preferably no later than 42 days (6 weeks) after your first dose, but later second doses will still complete your vaccination.
Pfizer vaccines
Get your second dose of the Pfizer vaccine:
- as close to as possible but no sooner than 21 days (3 weeks) after your first dose
- preferably no later than 42 days (6 weeks) after your first dose, but later second doses will still complete your vaccination.
For further questions, talk to your medical provider, the provider of your first dose or other COVID-19 vaccine providers.
Who's eligible for standard and additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine
First and second dose
Anyone aged 12 and older are eligible to receive the standard vaccination doses; Pfizer and Moderna are a two dose vaccine while Janssen (J&J) is a single dose vaccine. Those that are between the ages of 12-17 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.
Third dose for those with moderately to severely compromised immune systems
Under State vaccination guidelines, those with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are now eligible for an additional (third) dose of select COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna. This does not apply to the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals with moderately to severely compromised immune systems include those who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
If you part of this group, talk to your healthcare provider about your medical condition and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for you. For more information on additional doses for those moderately to severely immunocompromised, view the CDPH's Additional Doses FAQ page.
Please note that booster shots are not yet available under state guidelines.
After you're vaccinated
Some people experience side effects after being vaccinated, including mild side effects such as arm soreness where the shot was given, headaches, muscle pain and tiredness. To learn about more possible side affects, side effects reporting, and rare but serious side effects, visit the CDPH Vaccine page.
Side effects are normal, and should go away in a few days. Not everyone will experience side effects. If you don't have side effects after you get your shot, don't worry. The vaccine is still working.
When you are considered fully vaccinated
It takes time for your body to build protection once you receive your shot. You are considered "fully vaccinated":
- two weeks after your second shot of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna)
- two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson)
If getting a two-dose vaccine, it is essential to get both shots.
Once you are fully vaccinated
Once you're fully vaccinated, you should follow the CDPH's Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
Fully vaccinated people must still get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and follow state and local isolation guidance if they test positive.
Lost vaccine card
The City of Berkeley does not keep vaccine records and is unable to provide a replacement CDC vaccine card. Vaccination records are maintained by the state. If you have lost your COVID-19 CDC vaccine card, obtain a record of your immunization through:
Please note this will not provide a replacement paper CDC vaccine card or will the record provided have the vaccine lot numbers.
Resources
Last updated September 28, 2021