Frequently Asked Questions
What about second vaccinations?
In order for the vaccine to be effective, Pfizer advises 21 days between doses and the Moderna vaccine requires 28 days. No one who has already received a first shot will be denied a second regardless of age. However, some people are having their second shots rescheduled because they did not book their second appointment out far enough. Some booked a second shot too soon after the first.
How long until those 65 and older can get appointments?
Looking at the numbers, we expect that we will be able to open the OptumServe scheduler to those over 65 in about two to three weeks. We have to give our most vulnerable 75 and over residents a chance first to try to help them.
Where should people with a primary healthcare provider get vaccinated?
Primary healthcare providers such as Kaiser, Sutter, and St. Joseph’s receive their vaccine allotments directly from the state, not the County. Each provider has their own protocols when administering the vaccines. Most are starting off with vaccinating the 75 and over age group and will then move towards the 65+ age group. Please check with your healthcare provider for details on their distribution process.
How will uninsured residents get vaccinated?
People who are medically underserved, or who have no insurance, will be able to access the vaccine through a county or partner clinic as soon as possible within state and federal guidelines for distribution.
Where are the vaccination clinics?
Vaccine clinics will be strategically located in different areas of the County to support outreach to the entire community. Clinics supported by the County now have the capacity to provide up to 2,500 vaccinations a day for targeted groups. These sites include:
- AMR and fire agency clinic for first responders and law enforcement at Public Health Lab
- Sonoma County Medical Association clinic for health-care providers at Grace Pavilion/Fairgrounds
- Safeway clinic for in-home supportive services workers at Sonoma County Fairgrounds
- Clinical Health Appraisals clinic for Public Health field workers at County Administration building
- DEMA Consulting clinic for community health promoters at Roseland Library
- The Fitness Center at Santa Rosa Junior College-Petaluma Campus
- Huerta Gym in the Town of Windsor for those ages 75 and up.
- OptumServe site in Rohnert Park for those 75 and up
- In addition, the County is looking at setting up a vaccination center in Sonoma Valley
Please see
this webpage for updated vaccination clinic information.
Are the Covid-19 vaccines free?
Yes, the vaccines are free to everyone.
Does Sonoma County have a sufficient vaccination supply at this time?
No, we are not getting enough doses for the Phase 1b population. The supply of vaccines is the most important limiting factor. We are currently prioritizing ensuring people can receive both the first and second dose before registering additional first dose vaccinations.
Do you need an appointment to get the vaccine?
Yes, always. We need to schedule appointments carefully so we have 15 minutes of observation and that we also uphold the COVID guidelines.
Do you have to get both doses of the same vaccine?
Yes. Your first dose and second dose must be from the same vaccine manufacturer.
How will I know I'm eligible for the vaccine?
The state has set up a website,
https://myturn.ca.gov/, for individuals to input information about the vaccine receiver. The state will let you know whether you qualify for a vaccine now; if you do not qualify yet, it will notify you when it is your turn.
How can we move faster in the distribution of the vaccine?
We are ramping our efforts. We will continue to provide more vaccines over time. We are looking at 18-20 lanes for drive-through clinics. New groups are being licensed for administering vaccinations, like EMTs and dentists. We are currently limited by the supply of vaccines available.
Who are considered essential workers?
California state has outlined details around essential workers that can be found here:
https://covid19.ca.gov/essential-workforce/. The CDPH will continue to refine the guidelines and definitions, and we will adhere to these accordingly.
How do you plan to vaccinate and do outreach for hard-to-reach populations such as local tribes, tribal members, undocumented individuals, homeless, informal economy workers, farmworkers, disabilities, etc.?
We have existing experience in reaching these communities for disaster relief and will utilize those skills in the vaccination rollout program. We are actively working with various community organizations to ensure all groups are represented in the vaccination outreach and administration.
How will those at residential care facilities get vaccinated?
Residents and employees of senior living centers will be vaccinated by the CVS/Walgreens program, a partnership with the federal government.