November 17, 2021
  • Nov. 17, 2021
    Redwood City –
    County health officials are urging all eligible adults to receive a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as possible.

    The County offers a free booster clinic at the San Mateo County Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo.

    For those who have not yet received the COVID-19 vaccine, first (and second) doses are available at the Event Center.

    Appointments are preferred but not required for either the booster clinic or for first or second doses. Walk-ins are accepted.

    To make an appointment, visit the state’s MyTurn site.

    Anyone over 18 who is six or more months past their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two or more months past the Johnson and Johnson dose, may receive a booster at a County-operated clinic.

    County Health is stressing the importance of a booster for those especially at risk from the coronavirus: individuals 65 years and older and those with underlying medical conditions or who live or work in situations that potentially expose them to COVID-19 transmission.

    “Boosters are critical for these at-risk groups, especially residents over 65, as the holiday travel season begins,” said Scott Morrow, MD, San Mateo County Health Officer.

    The California Department of Public Health provides additional guidance.

    Note that private health care providers, pharmacies, County-run clinics and other organizations and businesses provide booster shots as well.

    New Days and Times for “Playland” Clinic
    A new batch of appointment slots are now available for children ages 5 to 11 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the “Playland”-themed clinic at the San Mateo County Event Center.

    Operated by the County of San Mateo, the clinic offers the COVID-19 vaccine in a kid-friendly setting that invokes Candy Land and other amusements along with superheroes and more for entertainment.

    “This clinic is designed to bring smiles to the children’s faces,” said Dr. Anand Chabra, who is helping to lead County Health’s vaccination drive.

    Appointments are required through the state’s MyTurn system.

    The “Playland” vaccine clinic for children aged 5 to 11 will be open:

    ► Wednesday, November 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    ► Friday, November 26, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    ► Saturday, November 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    A medical provider will be on site at the children’s clinic to answer parents’ questions.

    Vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 are widely available through private health care providers and pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens.

    To date, over 12,000 children 5 to 11 have been vaccinated in San Mateo County.