Berkeleyside is sharing this message on the eligibility of the expanded COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups in the city of Berkeley. It was published on February 15 and appears below in full.
We are expanding eligibility for city-coordinated COVID-19 vaccinations to include all those who live or work in Berkeley and who currently work in supermarkets, convenience stores or in personal education institutions and day care centers.
Those who fall into one of these groups, as well as Berkeley residents at least 65 years of age, can now apply for appointments at a vaccination post at the foot of Buchanan Street in Albany. Appointments are available on Wednesday, February 17 – Saturday, February 20. (Ed: These commitments are fulfilled on Tuesday, February 16)
Update, 02/16/21: Initial appointments have been filled, but vacancies can be opened due to cancellations or if more supplies are available. Alameda County is also scheduling vaccination appointments for adults 65 and older and workers in food and agriculture, emergency services and education and daycare. Check availability and sign up at myturn.ca.gov.
After scheduling, you will receive a confirmation email with the date and time of your appointment. We will check schedules with identification on the website. You will not be asked about immigration status.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone. You don’t need insurance to get a vaccine. However, those with medical insurance will need to provide their insurance information.
For technical support or assistance in scheduling your appointment, call Curative, Inc. at 888-702-9042. For questions about qualification or attestation requirements, send an email to [email protected] or call 3-1-1 or (510) 981-2489 *.
Employment verification required for children under 65
For employment-based eligibility, we are following the California Department of Public Health’s vaccine allocation guidelines.
To qualify for these appointments, people under 65 must live or work in Berkeley and are currently working:
- at a grocery store or convenience store
- providing face-to-face education or daycare services (this includes face-to-face daycare in informal settings such as babysitters)
- as a health professional or home caregiver
- Education workers offering only remote instruction are not eligible for these appointments. *
Those who receive the vaccine based on their employment must provide documentation to confirm eligibility on the spot. They can use:
- a recent payment stub
- a letter from your employer (download a sample letter)
- an employee identification badge
- If you are using an employee badge without a photo, you will need a photo ID to verify identity.
Instructions: upload photo of medical ID card
If you have health insurance, you will be asked to upload a photo of your medical ID card when scheduling your appointment.
Follow these steps to add your card:
- Take a picture of your card.
- Send the photo to your email.
- Open the email and save the photo to a file on your computer.
- Upload the photo of the saved file using the file manager.
- If you are unable to do so on the insurance page, click on the box that says “I don’t have my insurance card” and click continue to proceed to the next screen. You may need to enter some additional medical information. Take your medical card with you for consultation.
If you do not have health insurance, please disregard these instructions. You do not need insurance to be vaccinated and you will not be charged to receive the vaccine.
Transport option for Berkeley seniors, disabled
For Berkeley residents who need help getting to the location, a city-sponsored ride service can help some people get to their appointments for a fee of $ 15.
After scheduling your vaccination appointment, call Easy Does It at (510) 704-2111 to check your eligibility, register for services and schedule a trip.
Easy Does It will ask health screening questions to ensure the safety of the driver and driver. Personal protective equipment is worn by drivers, and facial coverage is required from passengers.
Vaccines for people over 65 now available at CVS and Rite-Aid pharmacies
CVS and Rite-Aid pharmacies are also scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations for healthcare professionals and people at least 65 years of age. Use the links below to schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that supplies are limited and waiting times can be long.
CVS COVID-19 vaccine appointments
Vaccine consultations Rite-Aid COVID-19
With limited vaccine delivery, sign up for notification lists
The limited national supply of COVID-19 vaccines means that it will take many months for vaccines to reach the general population.
No matter what your age, you can prepare yourself by understanding what your healthcare provider’s process is and by subscribing to general notification lists. Supply is limited everywhere, so sign up for as many lists as possible to maximize your chances of getting a vaccine:
Berkeley City Vaccine Notification List
Alameda County resident vaccine notification list
Alameda County employer vaccine notification list
California vaccine notification list (“My Time”)
The city of Berkeley list will be used to notify people when new vaccination opportunities become available through Berkeley Public Health.
No matter what list you are on, keep an eye on your email and take immediate action when you receive a notification that you are eligible to make an appointment.
* This paragraph was added or amended after the initial publication on February 15, 2021 to provide additional clarification.