San Rafael, CA – In its quest to vaccinate as many local residents as possible, Marin County Public Health is shifting its approach to offer the free and life-saving COVID-19 vaccine in more neighborhoods around the county, while reducing its reliance on stationary large-scale operations.
Alison Sexauer of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Servics holds up her vaccination card at the Marin Center vaccination clinic.Over the past two months, Marin County Public Health has expanded its mobile operations to offer more targeted pop-up vaccine clinics in communities where few or no vaccination options exist. Mobile teams can provide up to 500 vaccinations per visit and are part of an effort to remove barriers to access the shot. Appointment requirements have been waived and plans are underway to deploy mobile teams to large apartment complexes, local events, or shopping centers where people naturally gather.
In addition, Public Health will close its two mass vaccination sites in San Rafael at the end of May. The last date to obtain a first dose vaccine from the Marin Health and Wellness Campus on Kerner Boulevard or Marin Center (Marin County Fairgrounds) vaccine sites is Saturday, May 1. Both sites will remain open through May 29 to fulfill second dose needs.
The Marin Center location, which was Marin’s first and largest capacity vaccine distribution site, has distributed nearly 90,000 doses since opening in December. The Kerner campus has distributed more than 15,000 doses in partnership with Marin Community Clinics.
At 81% of all residents age 16 or older having received at least one dose, Marin is among the most highly vaccinated communities in the state.
“Our mass vaccination sites have played a critical role in the earlier stages of the vaccine rollout, to distribute shots as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer. “In this final stretch of the race to immunity, we’re doing more to bring the vaccine to every corner of Marin and reach all who remain unvaccinated.”
This week, mobile vaccine teams will visit sites in downtown Novato, Hamilton, downtown San Rafael and the Canal neighborhood. Teams made visits to Marin City, Inverness, Point Reyes Station, Tomales, and Bolinas earlier this month. New locations are announced each week on Public Health’s Pop-up Vaccine Locations webpage.
In addition, Public Health continues to offer home visits to anyone age 16 & older who cannot physically leave their residence to access a vaccine. Information about home visits can be accessed by calling (833) 641-1988.
“This adjustment is a sign of progress, but our work is not yet done,” Willis said. “Our goal is to remain the most-vaccinated county in the Bay Area. It’s less about competition and more about ensuring our county is well protected against future surges as restrictions continue to loosen. If we can vaccinate another 10 or 15% of residents, it will pay dividends for our community.”
The County and Curative-operated vaccine site at Larkspur Ferry Terminal continues to operate, and more than 20 commercial pharmacies in Marin are offering access to the vaccine in addition to major health care providers such as Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health. The COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 16 and older regardless of insurance or immigration status. Visit Marin County Public Health’s website for a listing of all local vaccine providers, or call (833) 641-1988 for assistance in making an appointment.