Vaccines

Becoming fully vaccinated against COVID-19 remains the best protective action that people can take if they are eligible for the vaccine. The three vaccines currently available in the US significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, illness, and death. While there are a small number of fully vaccinated people that get infected, fully vaccinated people rarely are hospitalized or die from COVID-19. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) continues to urge all eligible residents to get vaccinated in order to protect themselves, their family, and friends. For more information about the vaccines, and to find a vaccination site convenient to you, go to VaccinateLACounty.com.

COVID-19 Vaccines

As of the end of 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for two COVID-19 vaccines, which were shown to be safe and effective based on data provided by the manufacturers (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) and findings from large clinical trials. On February 27, 2021, a third vaccine (Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) was approved by the FDA. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two inoculations (Pfizer three weeks apart and Moderna four weeks after the first dose) while the Johnson & Johnson is issued in a single dose. Information on the three vaccines is available on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

Who May get a vaccine 

COVID-19 vaccines are now available to all individuals age 12 and older. Vaccinations are available at County-run sites and many community sites without an appointment. Visit www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) or www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) to find a vaccination site near you, to make an appointment at vaccination sites, and much more. Anyone without internet access, who cannot use a computer, or is over 65 can call 1-833-540-0473 for help finding an appointment. There may be an extended wait time to speak with an operator for help making an appointment during high demand times. 

Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status.

After you are fully vaccinated

People are considered fully vaccinated: 

  • Two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer or Moderna)
  • Two weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) 

If it has been less than two weeks since your shot, or if you still need to get your second dose, you are NOT fully protected. Keep taking all prevention steps until you are fully vaccinated.

Based on what is now known about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. For the latest guidance on what is safe to do after being fully vaccinated, view the LA County "After You Are Fully Vaccinated" fact sheet or visit the CDC website for the latest guidance.

Assistance for Malibu Seniors

As of January 21, 2021, County residents 65 and older are eligible to sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Seniors can schedule an appointment online or by phone at 833-540-0473 between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM, seven days a week.

Malibu residents age 65 and over who need assistance with booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment can call the City's COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Help Line at 310-456-2489, ext. 357. Due to HIPPA constraints, City staff cannot make an appointment for you; however, they can help you navigate the system and provide information. 

Seniors may also reserve a free ride with the City’s Dial-A-Ride service to and from confirmed testing, vaccination, and other COVID-related healthcare appointments in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, and Westlake Village by calling 424-346-8444. The COVID-19 Help Line and Dial-A-Ride services are available Monday through Friday. Riders are required to register for the Dial-A-Ride program by calling 310-456-2489, ext. 357 or visiting the Senior Center webpage.

For more information, visit VaccinateLACounty.com to learn about:

  • Getting the vaccine
  • Vaccine safety
  • Vaccine misinformation
  • Frequently asked questions

Residents should beware of vaccine scams. If someone offers to sell you a COVID-19 vaccine or an accelerated chance to get vaccinated, it is a scam. Report scams to the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) at DCBA.LACounty.gov or call 800-593-8222.

What to Expect after You Receive a COVID-19 Vaccination

Common vaccine side effects may occur in the first two days after getting the vaccine, including a sore or red arm, fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and feeling tired. Good hydration in the days leading up to and on the day of your vaccination may help prevent side effects. However, rest assured that side effects are normal and show that your body is learning to build up immunity. 

TIPS TO HELP WITH vaccine side effects

  • Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth on your arm where the vaccine was administered
  • Use or exercise your arm 
  • Take over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Note: Do not take these medicines before getting the vaccine.) 

Contact your doctor if you have questions, if your symptoms last more than two days or start more than two days after you got the vaccine, or the symptoms get worse or worry you.