Marin Shifts Vaccination Strategy

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin County on Monday announced plans to shutter its two mass vaccination sites as it expands mobile operations in a move that reflects a strategy shift.

Marin County Public Health aims to reach underserved communities with mobile operations with targeted pop-up sites in areas where vaccination options are limited, if they exist at all.

MCPH two months ago began its expansion of mobile operations that can provide up to 500 vaccinations per visit.

The agency has waived appointment requirements and plans to deploy mobile teams to large apartment complexes, local events and shopping centers where people naturally gather, efforts that aim to remove vaccine access barriers.

The Marin Center location, which was Marin’s first and largest capacity vaccine distribution site, has distributed nearly 90,000 doses since opening in December. The Kerner campus has distributed more than 15,000 doses in partnership with Marin Community Clinics.

Marin plans to close its two mass vaccination sites by the end of May, officials said.

The last date to obtain a first dose vaccine from the Marin Health and Wellness Campus on Kerner Boulevard or Marin Center (Marin County Fairgrounds) vaccine sites is Saturday, May 1. Both sites will remain open through May 29 to fulfill second dose needs.

“Our mass vaccination sites have played a critical role in the earlier stages of the vaccine rollout, to distribute shots as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis said in a statement.

“In this final stretch of the race to immunity, we’re doing more to bring the vaccine to every corner of Marin and reach all who remain unvaccinated.”

This week, mobile vaccine teams will visit sites in downtown Novato, Hamilton, downtown San Rafael and the Canal neighborhood. Teams made visits to Marin City, Inverness, Point Reyes Station, Tomales, and Bolinas earlier this month.

New locations are announced each week on Public Health’s Pop-up Vaccine Locations webpage.

In addition, Public Health continues to offer home visits to anyone age 16 & older who cannot physically leave their residence to access a vaccine. Information about home visits can be accessed by calling (833) 641-1988.

“This adjustment is a sign of progress, but our work is not yet done,” Willis said.

“Our goal is to remain the most-vaccinated county in the Bay Area. It’s less about competition and more about ensuring our county is well protected against future surges as restrictions continue to loosen. If we can vaccinate another 10 or 15% of residents, it will pay dividends for our community.”

The County and Curative-operated vaccine site at Larkspur Ferry Terminal continues to operate, and more than 20 commercial pharmacies in Marin are offering access to the vaccine in addition to major health care providers such as Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to anyone age 16 and older regardless of insurance or immigration status. Visit Marin County Public Health’s website for a listing of all local vaccine providers, or call (833) 641-1988 for assistance in making an appointment.