California is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and older on April 15, but some counties are expediting the process and opening the tier early.
People can schedule an appointment at myturn.ca.gov for all counties. For counties that have sped up the eligibility calendar, people who are under 50 may have to say they are at least 50 years old when registering for an appointment in order for the system to work.
Here’s a look at who is eligible to receive the vaccine across the Central Valley:
Stanislaus County
All Stanislaus County residents who are 16 and older can receive the vaccine.
The county has also opened up eligibility for people who work but do not live in the area for anyone 16 and older in the following sectors:
- Health care workers
- Education and childcare
- Food and agriculture
- Emergency Services
- Public Transit
- Janitorial
Merced County
Merced County has not moved ahead of the state’s plan. Anyone aged 50 and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as well anyone aged 16-49 who have high-risk health conditions and disabilities.
Regardless of age, people who live in congregate settings – including the homeless and incarcerated – and public transit workers are also eligible.
People can register for an appointment at vaccinatemercedcounty.com, which includes two clinics this week that are offering the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Madera County
Madera County is offering the vaccine to anyone who lives and works in the county 16 years or older, regardless of health conditions or employment sector.
Information about Madera County vaccine clinics can be found here.
Fresno County
Fresno County will allow everyone 16 and older – regardless of occupation – to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, jumping ahead of the state’s plan by a week.
Beginning Friday, April 9, everyone 16 years and older will be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, and everyone 18 and older can receive both the Moderna vaccine and the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
“The supply of COVID-19 vaccine has become more stable,” said Joe Prado, a division manager with the county health department. “We are able to move ahead of the CDPH’s timeline and have been approved to lift the current restrictions in place to expand eligibility.
Anyone interested in receiving the vaccine can schedule an appointment through myturn.ca.gov.
Kings County
Kings County expanded vaccine eligibility to anyone who is over the age of 16 on Wednesday.
Those who are 16 or 17 years old can receive the Pfizer vaccine. Adults aged 18 or older are eligible to receive the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson shot.
Tulare County
Tulare County is following the state’s guidance through the MyTurn system, allowing anyone aged 50 and older to receive the vaccine, as well as younger people who have high-risk health conditions.
However, anyone aged 16 and older can receive the vaccine regardless of health conditions at the Tulare International Agri-Center mass vaccination site.
People can make appointments for that mass vaccination site here.
Kern County
Kern County announced Monday that anyone who is 16 or older is now eligible to receive the vaccine.
The county said that appointments at the Kern County Fairgrounds mass vaccination site are open this week from Wednesday through Sunday.
