COVID vaccine: How to make an appointment on the California website MyTurn.ca.gov

SAN FRANCISCO – Californians aged 50 and over can now book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine on the state’s MyTurn website.

The option to make an appointment went live on Wednesday, one day before the age group officially became eligible.

Previously, people aged 50 to 64 were only eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (in most counties in California) if they had underlying health conditions or worked in a high-risk industry like food or emergency services.

To make an appointment, go to my tour.ca.gov, fill in your information and enter your address. The website will show you if there are any appointments available near you.

You can enter different cities or postal codes on the MyTurn site to see if there is availability elsewhere. However, a word of warning from the state before booking an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine away from your home:

As California Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility, Here’s Where to Look for an Appointment

“Your appointment may be canceled depending on the requirements set in the county in which you are seeking a vaccine. Each county sets its own geographic requirements and most limit vaccination to those who live or work in the county. make an appointment for a vaccine outside your county of residence, check the official website of the other county government to make sure you are eligible to be vaccinated in that county, otherwise your appointment may be canceled. “

California officials have said the state can now administer 3 million shots per week, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has predicted the maximum capacity will increase to 4 million by the end of April. But supplies have so far limited the effort to 1.8 million shots per week, a figure expected to rise to 2.5 million per week in the first half of April and then to 3 million by the end of April. , when every 16 years and over will be offered the vaccine.

Santa Clara County has been told it will receive 58,000 doses this week, health official Dr Marty Fenstersheib said, but the state will begin allowing around 400,000 more people between the ages of 50 and 64 in the county to register from Thursday, in addition to the current backlog.

“We don’t have the vaccine and we are worried,” Fenstersheib said.

Among the methods employed by officials to reach underserved communities are vans used as mobile clinics that travel to hard-hit neighborhoods and provide vaccinations on-site.

In California, mobile clinics help immunize farm workers who may not have transportation to larger vaccination sites or who cannot navigate the state’s online portal. Los Angeles also plans to have 10 mobile vaccination teams.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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