Immunization Program

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation Update

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly and requires different strategies to maintain clinical preventive services, including immunization. Find up-to-date guidance on childhood, adult, and maternal vaccination and clinical practice.

It is important that everyone especially infants and toddlers continue to receive their immunizations on time and maintain their immunization schedule to decrease the risk of getting sick from diseases that are preventable with vaccines. Even with current school closures, immunization requirements for admission to school or child care for 2020-2021 school year remain in place. Please go to ShotsforSchool for the most up to date information.

We acknowledge that there is fear and anxiety that you might get exposed to COVID-19 while visiting your primary care physician and pediatrician. All medical practices in Alameda County are taking precautions to ensure the safety and health of their patients and staff. Please reach out to your healthcare provider with questions or concerns and schedule an appointment for immunizations.

Where to get Immunized?

The best place to get immunized is at your doctor’s office so they can maintain your immunization history. If you have health insurance, (such as Medi-Cal, Alameda Alliance, Kaiser, Blue Shield, Blue Cross, United Health Care, etc.), call your doctor’s office in advance about availabilities, they often have same day appointments. At your doctor’s office, immunizations will be free because they will likely be covered by your insurance.

If you do not have a regular doctor’s office, immunizations are available at most pharmacy chains or local pharmacies. Call your nearest pharmacy to determine cost and insurance coverage. There are limited free or low cost immunization clinics within Alameda County. It is always a good idea to call in advance to ensure that the vaccine you are seeking is available. Back to School clinics usually take place right before the start of the school year so that children meet school requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine for adolescents and adults (called Tdap vaccine) during the third trimester of each pregnancy. For more information about which pharmacies offer Tdap to pregnant women please visit Alameda County Pharmacy Directory.

NOTICE OF YELLOW FEVER VACCINE SHORTAGE: Because of a total depletion of VF-Vax, the manufacturer (Sanofi Pasteur) has worked with CDC and the US FDA to make an alternative yellow fever vaccine, Stamaril, available at select locations until YF-Vax supply returns. For more information on where you can find clinics with remaining yellow fever vaccine doses and locations that can administer it, please visit the yellow fever vaccination clinic search page.

Excellent Vaccination Rates for Alameda County Child Care Facilities!

Each year in California, child care facilities report their students’ vaccination rates for required vaccines to the state. The most recent annual child care report from the California Department of Public Health shows that 95.9% of California child care facilities reported they have received all required vaccines.

97% of Alameda County child care facilities were up-to-date! Congratulations child care facilities, students, and parents for having great Community Immunity!