When is the COVID Vaccine Coming to San Diego?

Finally, after so many long months, we’ve received some good news in the fight against COVID-19: Vaccines are being deployed around the country, signaling that the end may finally be in sight.

For most residents of San Diego County, however, it will still take some time before they can get vaccinated.

Getting the COVID Vaccine in San Diego County: A Timeline

A number of vaccines have already been distributed to San Diego County, and the majority have been allocated to emergency responders and other healthcare workers. Indeed, with this first shipment, about 72 percent of the county’s healthcare workers will get a vaccine. Note that a second dose will be required in order for the vaccination to be effective.

As for everyday citizens, though, it will take a few more weeks before vaccinations become readily available. Right now, priority is being given to frontline workers. Official estimates suggest that it will be summertime before all Americans can get vaccinated.

Here’s a basic timeline:

• Right now, we are in phase 1 of vaccination, which will be further broken down into individual tiers. During phase 1, vaccinations are reserved for seniors, at-risk individuals, and healthcare professionals.

• Phase 2, which may begin as early as February, will allocate additional vaccinations for younger adults and for children.

• During phase 3, all Americans can receive the vaccine; this should begin in the summertime.

Until Then…

This is ultimately very good news: People are being inoculated against COVID-19 right now, and more folks will be getting vaccinated regularly for weeks to come.

The end of this pandemic is within our grasp… but until then, let’s all continue to practice the core behaviors needed to contain the spread of the virus. Please wear a mask. Practice social distancing. And if you believe you have symptoms or have been exposed, get a test.

COVID-19 testing is currently available at PureCare Pharmacy, a proud tenant of Merge Carmel Valley. The PureCare team offers different types of self-administered tests, including a free option. You can make an appointment for San Diego COVID testing by visiting the PureCare website.

Hang in there, everyone, and remain hopeful. Help is on the way. And until it arrives, there is plenty of San Diego COVID testing available.

Photos by Chaire Juaneza