The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to ages 5 and up in San Diego County at no cost. Below, you can find information about vaccination locations, first, second, and booster vaccine shots, transportation resources, and what to bring with you to get vaccinated depending on your age. Local and state information is also available, including what you can do to help, updated state information, and legislative updates.
If you’d like to review claims and facts about the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure you’re informed before making vaccine-related decisions, please visit the County’s website to learn more.
COVID-19 At-Home Test Kits
Free at-home test kits can be ordered at COVID.gov
What is the difference between an antigen (at-home) test and PCR test?
Because antigen tests are less sensitive, people with symptoms can take a rapid antigen test immediately. Those who have had a known exposure to the virus should wait three to five days before doing so.
How long after testing positive can I get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot?
After testing positive, defer vaccination at least until you have recovered from the acute illness (if you had symptoms) and have met criteria to discontinue isolation.
Can I use an at-home test kit as proof of being positive for COVID-19?
Reach out to your point of contact at work to determine if a positive at-home antigen test is enough as proof, or if you have to find a testing site for lab results. Testing sites can be found below or by calling 2-1-1.
If I need a lab test, where can I find a free testing site?
If you need a lab test result, you can find a testing site by location here, or by day here. It is recommended you first contact your health care provider for testing options.
When do I contact my health provider, clinic, or hospital?
Isolate and inform your health provider as well as any close contacts if you test positive. If you think your positive test result may be incorrect, contact a healthcare provider to determine whether or not additional testing is necessary.
View the information above as a PDF in Spanish or Arabic.
COVID-19 Vaccination Locations
The County of San Diego Government has set up several vaccination locations across the county. Appointment requirements vary by location. Please refer to details from each specific location. As additional sites are activated, details will be provided via the links below. Please continue to check there for new listings.
If you have any questions, please either call 2-1-1 San Diego, or email the County at covidvaxinquiry.hhsa@sdcounty.ca.gov. Please note that emailing the county does have a 3-4 day response rate.
Vaccines.Gov is a free, online service where users can search for locations that offer vaccinations. They work with partners such as clinics, pharmacies, and health departments to provide accurate and up-to-date information about vaccination services. Pharmacies such as CVS and Vons, not found on the links above, are listed at this website.
You can also text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
Vaccine Resources
Second Vaccine Shots
You do not need to receive your vaccination at the same location you received your first. You only need to make sure you receive the same vaccination shot as the first time (Pfizer, Janssen, or Moderna).
If you were not prompted to make your second appointment when you had your first, need to reschedule, want to schedule for your family or group, or are in need of an in-home visit or transportation, visit California Public Health’s MyTurn.
Booster Shots
If you would like to review whether or not you should receive a booster vaccine shot, which vaccine booster shot you should choose, or data supporting need for a booster shot, visit the CDC’s website below.
Transportation Resources
If you or your loved one is not able to drive to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Lyft is offering FREE rides to and from vaccination appointments.
What to Bring to Vaccine Appointments
Please review the information below based on the age of the individual being vaccinated.
Minors: ages 5-17
- Can only receive Pfizer vaccine
- For a walk-up/no appointment, a minor must have legal guardian, parent, or relative caregiver with them. No documentation is needed to verify age. If a relative caregiver is present, they must complete the caregiver affidavit form, found below.
- If adult is not able to be present, an appointment needs to be made, and a consent form must be filled out in advance and brought to the appointment. Minor must bring photo ID AND proof of age.
- The consent form for minors is available in the following languages. Click to access: English | Spanish | Arabic | Chinese | Karen | Korean | Somali | Tagalog | Vietnamese
- The caregiver affidavit form is available in the following languages. Click to access: English | Spanish | Arabic | Chinese | Karen | Korean | Somali | Tagalog | Vietnamese
Adults: ages 18 and older
- Must be 18 years at time of vaccination
- Must show photo ID AND proof of age. One document that shows both is acceptable.
- Photo ID examples:
- school ID
- work badge
- membership card
- Proof of age documentation:
- birth certificate
- US or foreign passport
- passport card
- driver license
- military card
- military dependent’s ID card
- permanent resident card
- state identification card
- citizen certificate
- naturalization certificate
To review data supporting recommendations for children and teens, visit the CDC’s website below.
COVID-19 Treatment Updates
As treatment options become available, we will update the section below with new information.
F.D.A. Clears Pfizer’s Covid Pill for High-Risk Patients 12 and Older
The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday authorized the first pill for Covid-19, offering a highly effective defense against severe illness that will arrive as the country endures another major surge of the pandemic.
The drug, developed by Pfizer and known as Paxlovid, is authorized for Covid patients age 12 and over who are vulnerable to becoming severely ill because they are older or have medical conditions such as obesity or diabetes.
What You Can Do
Many people are wondering how they can support their neighbors, health care workers, and other essential service workers during this time. Check back below in the coming days for additional ways you can support the community during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Donate to help Sharp‘s COVID-19 response
- Donate medical supplies to Family Health Centers of San Diego
- Donate blood at the San Diego Blood Bank (by appointment only)
- Donate food to San Diego Food Bank or Feeding San Diego (virtual food drives available)
- Support fellow San Diegans through the San Diego Foundation COVID-19 Community Response Fund
- Donate to the United Way of San Diego County Worker Assistance Initiative
- Volunteer your time and talents at an organization listing opportunities on Californians For All volunteer portal.
State and National Coronavirus Information
See links below for additional information about COVID-19 cases, public closures, and emergency response announcements.
- 211 San Diego
- California Hospital Association
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- National Institutes of Health
- San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency
- World Health Organization
- Food assistance resources
Legislative Updates
For up-to-date legislative news and updates, review the Association of California Healthcare Districts COVID news page.