This new year brings with it new hope. The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived and is being distributed in our city and across our county. The end of this pandemic is well within our reach. There’s still a long road ahead, but our city is strong and resilient. And I know we’ll find our way out of this crisis, and we’ll get there together.

As doses of the vaccine arrive in Los Angeles, our City teams are supporting the L.A. County Department of Public Health in distributing vaccinations at several sites throughout our communities.

Right now, doses of the vaccine remain limited, and they’re being distributed in phases –– starting with Angelenos at the highest risk and expanding to more groups in the weeks and months ahead.

Those currently eligible to receive the vaccine in L.A. County are:

• All healthcare workers with direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials 

• Residents of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and long-term care facilities

We are committed to increasing the number of daily vaccines available as soon and as safely as possible. To prepare for that increase, we’re tapping into a resource at the heart of our COVID-19 response since May: we are working with the County and State to turn Dodger Stadium, one of our testing sites, into a mega-vaccination center. This is a critical step forward on the road to our ultimate goal: increasing vaccine distribution to more and more Angelenos. 

As we continue to stand up vaccination sites like Dodger Stadium, we will ensure that all vaccinations are distributed in accordance with CDC, State, and County guidance to eligible populations. For more information about vaccine eligibility, Angelenos can visit VaccinateLACounty.com. 

While COVID-19 testing will no longer be offered at Dodger Stadium, we will continue to provide free testing to residents at our other permanent and mobile sites across Los Angeles. Anyone seeking a test can find more information at Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing or should contact their health care provider.

We have launched a new webpage to provide more information about the vaccine and links to all the resources you need to stay up to speed about the rollout.

This rollout will take time and is complicated. Never before have public health professionals had to vaccinate every single person around the world in the midst of a pandemic. This vaccine requires multiple doses and, to be viable, must be shipped, stored, and administered quickly and properly. Health professionals in our county are working around the clock to ensure successful distribution of this vaccine in real-time -- and the rollout is evolving and will speed up as more doses become available from pharmaceutical companies. The goal is to get as many people vaccinated as soon as possible in Los Angeles and across America.

That’s why we can’t let our guards down while vaccines are distributed. We need to keep doing our part to stop the current surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. There’s never been a more important moment to stay home, keep your distance, wear masks, and avoid gatherings. 

Last week, I toured several of the vaccine distribution sites across the city and was inspired by what I saw –– from the teams helping to run these operations to the healthcare workers rolling up their sleeves to be the first in our county to get vaccinated. 

This is just the beginning. Together, a stronger, healthier future is in sight. 

Thank you for all you are doing to save lives, stop the spread of the virus, and protect our families and neighbors.

Strength and love, Los Angeles.

Eric Garcetti
Your Mayor