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California expands vaccine eligibility to another 4.4 million residents: What you need to know

By Mario Ramirez
Updated  March 15, 2021 11:01am PDT
Coronavirus in California
FOX 11 Los Angeles

California expands vaccine eligibility to another 4.4 million residents, here’s what you need to know

California on Monday expanded the list of people eligible for the coronavirus vaccine by another 4.4 million people. Here's everything you need to know.

LOS ANGELES - An estimated 4.4 million Californians with certain high-risk medical conditions or disabilities became eligible for the vaccine on Monday, March 15.

People ages 16-64 can be eligible if they are deemed to be at the very highest risk to get very sick from COVID-19.

RELATED: Californians with underlying health conditions can receive vaccine as soon as March 15

What high-risk conditions or disabilities make a person under 65 eligible for a vaccine after March 15?

  • Cancer, current with a weakened immune system
  • Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or above
  • Chronic pulmonary disease, oxygen-dependent
  • Down syndrome
  • Solid-organ transplant
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
  • Severe obesity 
  • Type 2 diabetes

Will I need to verify I have a high-risk medics condition or disability when I go to my appointment?

Verification documentation of the diagnosis or disability is not required. Anyone meeting the eligibility requirements will be asked to sign a self-attestation that they meet the criteria for high-risk medical conditions or disabilities.

RELATED: FOX 11's Vaccine Finder

What you need to know about California’s vaccine expansion on March 15

How can I make a vaccine appointment?

  • Your Health Care Provider: It’s strongly recommended individuals with these conditions seek vaccination with a primary health care provider or system, or in an alternate clinical setting. 
  • Pharmacies: You can check your local pharmacies to see if they have vaccines and available appointments. 
  • Your Local Health Department: Your local health department’s website will continue to have information about how to find available vaccine appointments, even as national supply remains limited. 
  • Community Pop-Up Clinics: Community pop-up clinics for people with high-risk medical conditions and disabilities will roll out in mid-March and will be targeted for equity to those living in communities with the lowest Healthy Place Index scores.  
  • MyTurn: Throughout the spring, as vaccine supply increases and the statewide vaccinator network grows, you will be able to schedule an appointment through California’s MyTurn, in two ways: On-line at www.myturn.ca.gov or by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 or 1-833-4CA-4ALL (M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM). 
  • On-line at www.myturn.ca.gov or by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-833-422-4255 or 1-833-4CA-4ALL (M-F 8AM-8PM, Sa-Su 8AM-5PM). 

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