Today, April 12, 2021, Alameda and Contra Costa counties joined forces to support local residents in one of the most powerful steps they can take in the fight against COVID-19 – getting vaccinated. The mega-vaccination site at the Oakland RingCentral Coliseum began operations today under the new partnership between the Counties of Alameda and Contra Costa and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Since mid-February, the site has been part of a Federally-supported pilot project to establish Community Vaccination Centers. Forty-five percent of vaccine administered at the Coliseum during this time reached Alameda County residents and 15.9 percent reached Contra Costa County residents. 

To maintain momentum and urgently vaccinate more of their populations, these two neighboring county governments entered into unified management of the site along with the State to continue providing vaccinations at the site for the next four weeks. 

Half of the weekly allotment of vaccine for the site will be provided by the State, and the other half of vaccine allotment will be supplied equally by Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The site is expected to deliver up to 6,000 vaccines per day and will continue to operate Mobile Vaccine Clinics. The three mobile units associated with the Coliseum have been highly successful and popular, and a fourth unit will be added so that each county has two units to increase vaccination opportunities directly in priority communities. 

The site is open to those who live or work in Alameda County and Contra Costa only, and operates Mon – Sun, 9 am to 7 pm, with 17 drive-through lanes as well as walk-up appointments accessible by fare-free rides with AC Transit and BART. Vaccine appointments can continue to be made through the state’s MyTurn.ca.gov website or by calling 833-422-4255. 

In the meantime, all residents are encouraged to practice behaviors we know help slow the spread of this deadly virus, including masking even after vaxxing.