Basics on getting COVID-19 vaccine

Who can get a shot: As of now, those 65 or older, health care workers or those who work or live in a long-term care facility. Teachers, police officers, grocery store workers and farmers are also eligible, as well as others working in emergency services; child care and education; and food and agriculture.

People with serious underlying medical conditions or disabilities that make them vulnerable to COVID-19 will be eligible by March 15. State officials say that vaccine eligibility will then be determined by age, with the vaccine gradually reaching younger groups of people.

Where to get a shot: The region has six mass vaccination sites — La Mesa, La Jolla, Chula Vista, San Marcos, Del Mar and downtown next to Petco Park. (Note: The Petco site will be closed at least through Tuesday.) There are also many smaller sites throughout San Diego County, some run by Sharp Healthcare and Rady Children’s Hospital. The county’s COVID-19 vaccine page lists the various locations and ways to sign up; the Union-tribune has a similar resource on its website — sandiegouniontribune.com.

You need to make an appointment: If you have a health care provider, the county suggests contacting them about getting vaccinated. If you can’t get doses through your provider or are uninsured, go to the county’s COVID-19 vaccine page at vaccinationsuperstationsd.com for locations and sign-up information. Appointments at one of the smaller county-run sites can be made through an online system at myturn.ca.gov. The U-T visuals team and biotech reporter Jonathan Wosen have created an instructional video on signing up. Go to sandiegouniontribune.com and scroll down a short distance for the video.

Seniors who don’t have a computer can call the county’s 211 line for help scheduling appointments.

The vaccines: The two available vaccines are from Pfizer and Moderna. A second booster shot is needed three to four weeks after the first shot. You’ll receive a vaccination record card on when to return for the next appointment.