COVID-19 Vaccine for People Experiencing Homelessness
Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless (ACHCH) is actively providing COVID-19 vaccinations at shelters, homeless centers, and street/encampment sites. Please contact ACHCH for more information at covidachch@acgov.org or (510) 891-8950.
Are you experiencing homelessness?
People experiencing homelessness that are 18+ years of age are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine at clinics and county vaccination sites. You can verify for yourself (self-attest) as experiencing homeless at county vaccine sites. Additionally, if you do not have ID, you can verify for yourself (self-attest) to your identity. Many county provided community vaccination centers now allow for people to walk-in without an appointment.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It has been scientifically researched, cannot give you COVID-19, and does not affect your DNA. The after-effects, such as pain and soreness on the arm where you got the shot, headache, achy body, tiredness, fever, or chills, are normal signs that your body is building protection against the virus.
Shelter residents are not required to get the vaccine to stay at shelters. Residents will have the opportunity to talk about the vaccine with staff and providers before they make a decision.
As more of us are vaccinated, we strengthen our ability, as a community, to respond to COVID-19, turn the curve and end this pandemic.
Access to the vaccine is changing day-to-day, so we urge you to stay updated with vaccine eligibility and accessibility through a variety of methods. Please review the Alameda County COVID-19 Vaccine page for up-to-date sites and information. Visit East Bay Getting To Zero to get up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information.
COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
Information for People Considering Getting Vaccinated:
Posters for Shelter and Outreach Providers:
Resources to Support Vaccination Events in Shelters and Programs:
Other Resources:
(updated: 03/24/2021)
Are you experiencing homelessness?
People experiencing homelessness that are 18+ years of age are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine at clinics and county vaccination sites. You can verify for yourself (self-attest) as experiencing homeless at county vaccine sites. Additionally, if you do not have ID, you can verify for yourself (self-attest) to your identity. Many county provided community vaccination centers now allow for people to walk-in without an appointment.
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. It has been scientifically researched, cannot give you COVID-19, and does not affect your DNA. The after-effects, such as pain and soreness on the arm where you got the shot, headache, achy body, tiredness, fever, or chills, are normal signs that your body is building protection against the virus.
Shelter residents are not required to get the vaccine to stay at shelters. Residents will have the opportunity to talk about the vaccine with staff and providers before they make a decision.
As more of us are vaccinated, we strengthen our ability, as a community, to respond to COVID-19, turn the curve and end this pandemic.
Access to the vaccine is changing day-to-day, so we urge you to stay updated with vaccine eligibility and accessibility through a variety of methods. Please review the Alameda County COVID-19 Vaccine page for up-to-date sites and information. Visit East Bay Getting To Zero to get up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine information.
- Sign Up for Vaccine Alerts:
- Enter your name and information in the Alameda County Resident Vaccine Notification form. This can connect you to your nearest community POD vaccine site.
- If you do not have internet access, you can call the County Community Vaccination POD hotline to register: (510) 208-4VAX; (510) 208-4829 for English, Español, 中国人
- Enter your name and contact information at My Turn (State of California) or by phone at (833) 422-4255. The vaccination site at the Oakland Coliseum is headed by the State of California.
- Berkeley: Receive COVID-19 vaccine notifications
- Dublin-Livermore-Pleasanton: Alameda County Fairgrounds
- Call 2-1-1 for up-to-date information on how to access a countywide COVID-19 vaccine.
- Keep in touch with your medical provider to find out if and when you can be vaccinated at your primary care clinic.
- Vaccines for People with High-Risk Medical Conditions or Disabilities: If you are disabled or have a high-risk medical condition, please review this fact sheet for information about qualifying to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. You can make an appointment at a vaccine site or with your medical provider. You can verify (self-attest) your condition when you receive your vaccine.
- The California Department of Public Health released new guidance related to vaccine eligibility for people experiencing homelessness. As of March 15, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccine is eligible to all individuals who reside or work in a high risk congregate residential setting, such as an incarceration/detention facility, homeless shelter, or behavioral health facility, as these settings are at high risk for outbreaks and have a concentration of individuals with high risk chronic health conditions. This includes all people experiencing homelessness, who are at risk of transitioning into congregate settings at short notice.
COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
Information for People Considering Getting Vaccinated:
- COVID-19 vaccine: Myths, facts & frequently asked questions for people experiencing homelessness
- ACHCH COVID-19 vaccine presentation by Seth Gomez, Sr. Pharmacist
- What to expect after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine
- Homeless health providers and the COVID-19 vaccine
- Talking about the COVID-19 vaccine
- The Conversation: Black doctors, nurses, and researchers dispel misinformation and provide accessible facts about the COVID-19 vaccines. Featuring W. Kamau Bell, Dr. Damon Francis, and Alameda County homeless health care medical providers. Read press release here.
Posters for Shelter and Outreach Providers:
Resources to Support Vaccination Events in Shelters and Programs:
- ACHCH Shelter Vaccination Event Checklist
- Community Care COVID-19 Vaccine Checklist
- During Vaccination Clinic Activities (CDC)
- COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form Packets (English) (Spanish)
- Shelter Provider Vaccination Line List Template
- Vaccination Event Flyer Template for Shelters
- Conversation Tips for Shelter Staff
- Managing Post-Vaccination After-Effects in Shelters
- Post-vaccine Observation Log
Other Resources:
- HUD Homeless Vaccine Distribution Information and Resources
- National Health Care for the Homeless Council COVID-19 Information & Resources
(updated: 03/24/2021)
