COVID-19 Vaccine Information

This page is to help our Sangha navigate information on the COVID-19 vaccines. Please be aware that information can change on short notice. This page will be updated when possible.

Table of contents

Updates

Last updated on May 12 at 5:52 pm

  • On May 12, the CDC recommended the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year-olds. The vaccine will be available to 12-15 year-olds starting May 13. 
  • As of April 28, the County of Santa Clara Health System and other healthcare providers can resume the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at select locations, following federal and state recommendations. The County Health System will offer either Pfizer or Moderna (2-dose mRNA vaccines) at all of its vaccination clinics. In addition, the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available upon request at select sites. For more information about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, see fact sheet from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department.
  • On April 25, the CDC recommended the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to resume. 
  • On April 19, everyone who is 16 and over is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines. 
  • On April 13, the CDC and FDA recommended a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccines to investigate rare cases of blood clotting (6 cases out of 6.8 million doses administered). People who have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine who develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their healthcare provider. 
  • All nine Bay Area counties have paused using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

Vaccine information

There are currently three vaccines being administered in the United States. These vaccines have been chosen because they significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19:

Pfizer

  • Requires two doses
  • Approved for 12+
  • Second dose should be scheduled after three weeks (21 days) 
  • Considered fully vaccinated two weeks after second dose

Moderna 

  • Requires two doses
  • Approved for 18+
  • Second dose should be scheduled after four weeks (28 days) 
  • Considered fully vaccinated two weeks after second dose

Johnson & Johnson (Janssen)

  • Only one dose
  • Approved for 18+
  • Considered fully vaccinated two weeks after dose

To get the vaccine, it is recommended that you get an appointment. More information on appointments can be found on the FAQs and Resources pages.

For more information, see the CDC page on vaccine differences.

Eligibility

Everyone who is 12 and over is eligible. 

Frequently asked questions

Wondering where to find appointments? If your child can get the vaccine? Or how to get to your vaccination site without a car? Check out the FAQs page for those answers and more. 

Take me to the FAQs

Resources

Find an extensive list of direct appointment links and COVID-19 vaccine-related resources. 

Take me to the resources