The vaccine super site at Anaheim Convention Center is up and running, with some 20,000 shots given in its first week.
The convention center site, which opened Tuesday, is in addition to the Anaheim vaccine site at Disneyland Resort, where shots continue.
Anaheim is proud to be the only Orange County city with two major vaccines sites, which provides our residents more ways to get vaccinated where they live.
The convention center is indoors with plenty of space. The process inside is smooth, with shelter from rain, wind and the sun. But, as with any new site, we’re constantly making improvements and addressing initial issues to make it even better.
Here’s what you need to know when coming to the convention center site for your appointment:
You need an appointment
We’re now vaccinating those 65 and older, healthcare workers and first responders.
Registration is starting for educators and food service workers, and we expect to see appointment dates for them in coming days and weeks. Do not show up without an appointment.
Arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before
There’s no need to come too early for your appointment. If you’re running late, don’t worry about that either.
Vehicle Entry
Enter off Katella Avenue, from the right lane heading east. The entrance is along Katella, between West Street and Harbor Boulevard. It’s best to approach from the right lane entrance. There are times you can turn left off Katella, but that is hit or miss.
We sometimes need to close the left turn lane to prevent a backup to Harbor. You might encounter backups on Katella turning right. We are working to address that as well.
Again, don’t worry if arrival and parking takes you past your appointment time. We will get you in.
Parking
We’ve seen some challenges with parking and have been making improvements daily. You’ll park in what’s known as Car Park 1, a five-level structure that’s about 30 to 50 yards from the vaccine site entrance.
Like many parking structures, it is tight and can be busy with arrivals and exits throughout the day.
For those who are able, stairs in the northeast corner are the quickest route to the vaccine site. For those who need extra help, there are two elevators in the southeast corner. There are staff and signs to direct you.
Remember Where You Parked
The structure has five color-coded levels. P1 is pink, P2 is purple, P3 is Orange, P4 is green and P5 is blue. P2 and P3 are the largest floors, so there you should remember what row you parked in as well.
Rideshare, bus
There is not a designated rideshare area, but you can enter on Convention Way off Harbor Boulevard and drop off and pickup near the traffic circle and what’s known as the Grand Plaza. Please note: This is not a convenient spot for the elderly and those who need assistance.
If you’re taking an Orange County Transportation Authority bus, the best stop is Harbor-Convention at Harbor Boulevard and Convention Way. From there you’ll make your way to the convention center a couple city blocks to the east.
Elevators
Unfortunately, at times we can see lines for the parking structure elevators. There are two elevators, and with folks in wheelchairs, it can take a while to get everybody back to where they parked. Staff is on hand to help, but we still can see delays.
Wheelchairs
For those who need a little extra help, wheelchairs are onsite. If you have your own wheelchair or walker, it’s always best to bring it. We’ve added more since opening, but at any given hour a lot of wheelchairs will be in circulation. We’ll always do our best to see if we can track one down.
Weather
You’ll be indoors most of the time, so weather isn’t a big factor. But the space from parking to vaccines is outside. So, if there’s wind, rain or sun, you’ll want to plan for being outdoors for about 10 minutes or so as you make your way in.
Vaccine Entry
You’ll enter through the Anaheim Arena -- the large dome-shaped building along Katella Avenue. You’ll enter through a door based on your appointment time: top of the hour or 15, 30 and 45 minutes after. There might be a small wait here. Other times you’ll walk right through. You’ll go through a contactless temperature check.
Check-In
Next up is check-in, where we’ll verify your age or other eligibility. For second shots, we just need your government ID, proof of appointment and your vaccine card.
Vaccines
Vaccines take place in Hall A, a large convention hall. There are eight individual vaccination stations, with five or six running right now. Getting the shot itself takes a matter of minutes, with shots delivered by nurses. You then go to observation for 15 minutes or so, just to make sure everyone is doing well.
Right now, we are only doing Moderna vaccines. We could at times offer Pfizer and an expected vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.
Exiting
You’ll exit through the side of Hall A, turn left and walk about 30 yards back to the parking structure. Don’t forget to get a picture next to our “I Got the Shot” backdrop, with iconic images of the Big A, Anaheim Convention Center, Disneyland, Honda Center and ARTIC!
