Combatting Covid-19: Vaccination and Testing Resources to Help You Do Your Part

According to Noozhawk, July’s sharp increase in new Covid-19 cases and the recent shift in positive test results to young adults have shown us that we are not yet out of the woods with Covid-19; we all must do our part to ensure the health and safety of Santa Barbara County. Public health director Van Do-Reynoso explained that this means we must “stop this surge in its tracks. We need every eligible member of this community to act and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

What do I need to know?

  • Your vaccine is FREE, regardless of health insurance coverage.

  • Bring a form of documentation with you to get your vaccine, such as:

    • Driver’s license

    • Business card

    • Library card

    • Electrical bill

    • Passport

    • Pay stub

    • Letter from your employer or school

Your ID does not have to be government-issued, and undocumented individuals are eligible to receive a vaccine regardless of immigration status.


How do I find a vaccine provider?

Choose from the options below:

  • To search for a vaccine by location and manufacturer, use Vaccine Finder: https://www.vaccines.gov/search/

  • For a list of providers in English, text your zip code to: GETVAX (438829)

  • For a list of providers in Spanish, text your zip code to: VACUNA (822862)

  • To make your appointment from a partial list of providers, visit MyTurn: https://myturn.ca.gov/

  • Sign up for a vaccine at a local pharmacy using the links provided by the county Public Health Department: https://publichealthsbc.org/vaccine/

Questions? Contact the county’s call center at:

  • 2-1-1 (if calling from a number with 805 area code)

or

  • 800-400-1572 (if calling from a number without 805 area code).

The call center is staffed 8am – 5pm on weekdays, and the information like is available 24/7.


Which pharmacies have walk-in vaccinations?

Call or stop into Albertsons/Sav-On or Vons pharmacies to ask about their vaccine availability:

  • Santa Maria: Albertsons/Sav-On at 2320 S. Broadway

  • Nipomo: Vons at 520 West Tefft Street

  • Orcutt: Albertsons/Sav-On at 1120 East Clark Ave.

  • Lompoc: Albertsons/Sav-On at 1500 North H Street

  • Montecito: Vons at 1046 Coast Village Road, Suite B

  • Carpinteria: Albertsons/Sav-On at 1018 Casitas Pass Road

  • Ventura: Vons at 2433 Harbor Blvd., OR Vons at 6040 Telegraph Road, OR Vons at 5688 Telephone Road

For information or to make an appointment at an Albertsons/Sav-On or Vons pharmacy, visit the following link:

https://www.mhealthappointments.com/covidappt

You can also click the following links to see the availability and locations of the following pharmacies:

For more information or to make an appointment at the above pharmacies, use Vaccine Finder:

https://www.vaccines.gov/search/


What other walk-in or appointment options do I have?

You can get your vaccine at the following times and locations:

  • Lompoc Valley Medical Center vaccination clinic

    • When: every Friday from 12:30pm – 3pm

    • Where: 1515 E. Ocean Ave.

  • Santa Maria Fair Park Convention Center

    • When: Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 10am – 7pm
                  Thursdays from 11am – 8pm

    • Where: 987 S. Thornburg St.

  • Marian Family Medicine Center in Santa Maria

  • Walker Medical Wellness in Orcutt

You can also find additional provider information for the following counties at these links:


Can a vaccination team come to me?

Yes! To get a free vaccination for a homebound individual, choose from the following options:

Schools, workplaces, and community- and faith-based organizations can make requests for pop-up clinics from the county and the California Department of Public Health. Choose from the options below:


I now know my options for finding a Covid-19 vaccine.

Now, how can I find a Covid-19 test?

Covid-19 tests are free. Additional diagnostic tests may be covered by health insurance or may be available for free through certain providers.


Note: According to Public Health, “Copays and fees may be charged at privately owned clinics and healthcare centers, including urgent cares and primary care providers. Your insurance may only cover Covid-19 tests if they are determined to be medically necessary.”

Choose from the following state- and county-run Covid-19 testing sites:

  • Santa Maria Fairpark

    • When: Sunday through Thursday from 10am – 6pm

    • Where: 937 Thornburg St.

  • Lompoc Health Care Center

    • When: Monday through Thursday from 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 4pm

    • Where: 301 North R. St.

  • American Medical Response Central Training Center in Buellton

    • When: Monday through Sunday from 10am – 6pm

    • Where: 240 E. Highway 246, Suite 110

  • Santa Barbara Testing Trailer

    • When: Monday through Thursday from 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 4pm

    • Where: 267 Camino del Remedio

  • Goleta Valley Community Center

    • When: Thursday through Tuesday from 7am – 7pm

    • Where: 5679 Hollister Ave.

For information or to make an appointment at an Albertsons/Sav-On or Vons pharmacy, visit the following link:

https://publichealthsbc.org/testing/

For additional doctor’s offices and clinics offering diagnostic testing, click here:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Nearby/index.html?appid=43118dc0d5d348d8ab20a81967a15401

For more information, visit:

https://covid19.ca.gov/get-tested/


Sources

Covid-19 Vaccine Information, Noozhawk (August 3, 2021):

https://www.noozhawk.com/article/how_to_find_a_covid_19_vaccine_provider_near_you_santa_barbara_county?omhide=true&utm_source=Noozhawk&utm_campaign=1295ce64f7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_03_18_03_36_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9ec8acd2c4-1295ce64f7-247256953


Covid-19 Testing Information, Noozhawk (August 4, 2021):

https://www.noozhawk.com/article/where_to_get_tested_covid_santa_barbara_county_costs_guidance_isolating?omhide=true&utm_source=Noozhawk&utm_campaign=1295ce64f7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_03_18_03_36_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9ec8acd2c4-1295ce64f7-247256953


Covid-19Teri Jory