Santa Clara County launched a new vaccine site Friday in East San Jose. The location at Eastridge Mall’s Aloha Roller Rink was opened with expanding access to vulnerable populations in mind.
Starting Monday, vaccines will be administered at the site to eligible county residents by appointment, with doses for drop-ins subject to availability. The site will operate seven days a week and will offer evening appointments.
Santa Clara County, in partnership with site operator Stanford Health Care, opened the clinic as part of a plan to ensure equitable distribution of the vaccine in East San Jose and Gilroy.
With a 14% infection rate, the neighborhood is one of the hardest-hit in Santa Clara County.
"The people in this community live in overcrowded conditions," said Father Jon Pedigo, director for advocacy and community engagement for Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County. "They don't have the luxury that many other ZIP codes have to protect themselves. So this is the reality that we're dealing with. Many of our community members do not have regular health care."
San Jose City Councilmember Sylvia Arenas, who represents the district, said the site is well placed.
“Eastsiders have grown up coming to this shopping center," she said. "This is a perfect site and an important step in removing the barriers for our community who so desperately need this vaccine."
While the center can administer up to 2,000 vaccines a day, it will start at 500 due to lack of supply. County officials hope they can ramp up soon as the state and federal government increase distribution.
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