Counties partner with state to keep Oakland Coliseum vaccination site open

The “mega-vaccination site” at the Oakland Coliseum and three mobile units will continue administering Covid-19 vaccines under a new state-county partnership.

A joint statement issued Monday by Alameda and Contra Costa counties explained that the operation has been transferred from a federal- to state-level partnership with the neighboring counties, allowing the vaccination site and related mobile units to continue beyond the original April 11 end date.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services will provide support as the state partner in the unified management agreement that allows the vaccination site to continue its operation.

In addition, a fourth mobile unit will be added, giving both counties access to two mobile clinics that can target “priority communities.”

According to the statement, half of the site’s dose allotments will come directly from the state and the other half will be equally supplied the two counties. The Oakland Coliseum has so far administered more than 316,000 vaccines, and the site expects to administer up to 6,000 doses each day going forward.

Alameda County Health Care Services Agency Director Colleen Chawla said in the statement:

“We are thankful to our partners who advocated to make sure that this site, a vital tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our County, continues serving the East Bay communities who need it most.”

Alameda County Monday also announced expansion of its vaccine eligibility to all residents age 16 and older. Contra Costa County dropped the eligibility age to 16 on March 30. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in people age 18 and older, whereas the Pfizer vaccine can be given to people as young as 16 years old.

Appointments for the Oakland Coliseum site can be booked either through the state’s online MyTurn system or by calling (833) 422-4255. The site will operate Monday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. and offers both drive-through and walk-up appointments for all eligible residents of Alameda and Costa Costa counties.