Good news: Beginning tomorrow, every Californian 50 years and older will be eligible to get a vaccine –– bringing our state, our city, and our communities a step closer to ending this pandemic. If you're eligible for a vaccine, you can book your appointment.

This milestone comes as many regions in the United States contend with a new surge of coronavirus infections –– largely driven by the more transmissible B.1.1.7. variant of the coronavirus. While Los Angeles’ case numbers and hospitalization rates remain low, experience has shown us that when cases rise in other parts of the country, they can rise here as well.

This time can be different. We now have an advantage we didn’t have when infections skyrocketed around Thanksgiving: almost 50 percent of L.A. County residents have received at least a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

All three vaccines we’re using in L.A. work very well against this variant. All of them protect our city, our loved ones, and ourselves. And all of us must play a role in making sure the 5 million eligible people in our County who haven’t yet been vaccinated receive their shot as soon as possible.

Here are the facts you need to know:

• ELIGIBLE TOMORROW: Beginning tomorrow, vaccinations are open to all California residents 50 years or older.

• ALSO ELIGIBLE: Residents between 16 and 64 years old who have certain disabilities or severe underlying medical conditions are also eligible. L.A. County has opened vaccinations to janitorial and custodial workers and public transit workers and dedicated public works employees who are responding to emergencies. Vaccinations remain open for those who were already eligible: teachers and workers in education and childcare, restaurant workers, food and agriculture, and emergency services on the eligibility list, residents 65 and older, healthcare workers, certain essential frontline workers, and residents and staff of skilled nursing facilities.

• ‘MOVE’ VACCINE EQUITY PROGRAM: Our MOVE initiative is deploying mobile vaccination clinics to the most vulnerable parts of Los Angeles. We’ve partnered with trusted community organizations to administer over 48,564 shots –– about 90 percent of which have gone to people of color. 

• EXPRESS LANE: An express lane at Dodger Stadium is serving customers of Access Services, the agency that provides transportation to Angelenos with disabilities. Access riders can book their appointment (pending availability) as well as a round-trip ride to Dodger Stadium by calling (626) 532-1616.

• BY THE NUMBERS: The City of Los Angeles has administered 770,539 vaccine doses at our City-run vaccination sites and mobile clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and fire stations. Since last Monday, our centers have provided 86,201 life-saving vaccinations.

• VACCINATION SITES: More than 540 locations are currently vaccinating people in L.A. County. As more doses become available in the coming months, more sites and providers will administer shots. When your turn arrives, you can make an appointment and bring your ID to the site. If you are 65 or older, have a disability, or do not have access to the internet and need assistance making your vaccination appointment, you can contact the County’s Call Center –– open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. –– at (833) 540-0473. You can also talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.

• NOTIFY LA: The City will occasionally send targeted text updates about new appointment availability to communities with high cases of COVID-19. To receive text updates, sign up for Notify LA. 

• STAY INFORMED: It can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing vaccine news. Get key information by signing up for email updates from the L.A. County Department of Public Health or getting automatically notified when you become eligible for the vaccine. Tell your friends and family to sign up for this VaxFacts newsletter or follow us at @MayorOfLA on Twitter. You can check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more. 

Stay healthy and be safe.

Eric Garcetti
Your Mayor

P.S. As the COVID-19 crisis continues, so does the City’s sweeping response. To learn more about how we are protecting Angelenos –– through testing, economic relief, and other measures –– visit our website.