19 Feb COVID-19 Vaccine Open to Contra Costa Teachers, More Essential Workers

Contra Costa teachers are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Here, a scene from a vaccine clinic for Des Moines Public Schools teachers and staff. (“Another Saturday, Another Clinic” by Phil Roeder under CC BY 2.0 license.)

By Michael J. Fitzgerald

Contra Costa County health officials announced Thursday that teachers, grocery workers and other frontline essential workers who reside in Contra Costa County can sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost.

Contra Costa Health Services updated its eligibility policy to extend vaccinations to any resident who works in education and childcare, food and agriculture workers, and emergency services workers as defined by Phase 1B of California’s vaccination plan.

“We are committed to protecting all of our educators by ensuring they can access the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. “It is critical that we prioritize the health and well-being of all the essential workers who have cared for us and our families throughout the pandemic.”

Residents in these groups and county residents 65 and older can sign up to access state and federal sites through MyTurn or by calling 1-833-422-4255.

Essential workers and residents 65 years and older can also request immunization appointments through CCHS and join the county waiting list for the COVID-19 vaccine. But due to a temporary reduction in vaccine supply from the state, appointments at county sites are filled through the next two weeks at least, CCHS officials said.

When more appointments do become available, CCHS will continue to prioritize county residents who are 65 or older as well as eligible essential workers, officials said, particularly those who live or work in the communities most heavily affected by the pandemic.

People who need to cancel an existing appointment or who received a first dose of vaccine through CCHS and need to make a second-dose appointment should call 1-833-829-2626.

For more information about Contra Costa’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic including information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and appointments, visit cchealth.org/coronavirus.