Berkeley Vaccination Rate Tops 93%

BERKELEY, CA — At a time when many parts of the country are still battling misinformation-fueled vaccine hesitancy, the city of Berkeley closing in on what from a public health standpoint is ethereal territory.

The East Bay city has fully vaccinated more than 93 percent of eligible residents (those who are at least 12 years of age), among the highest rates of any U.S. city.

Berkeley has consistently been among the Bay Area’s most vaccinated communities for months.

But city’s vaccine rate got a shot in the arm with the influx of UC students and staffers who received their jabs out of town before returning to campus, where they are mandated, according to a spokesperson for Mayor Jesse Arreguín.

The return of students to UC Berkeley followed the city’s move to enact a vaccine mandate for city employees and certain businesses including restaurants, entertainment venues, and gyms.

Berkeley earlier this year opened a mass vaccination site at Golden Gate Fields vaccination drive and has worked in partnership with various nonprofits and community organizations in advancing an equity approach in vaccine outreach and distribution.

“Berkeley’s 93% vaccination rate is a testament to our community’s belief in science, its unified approach against COVID-19, and our dedicated frontline workers,” Arreguín said in a statement Tuesday.

“Over the past 19 months I have been inspired by my neighbors and remain energized in our continued efforts to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Berkeley’s residents. Our public employees, business community, and health department have all come together where other communities have faltered. I am grateful to everyone doing their part to protect this beloved community.

“We still have work to do, but Berkeley continues to stand out in its response to Covid-19. What these statistics show is that Berkeley residents believe vaccines are safe and effective, and we encourage everyone to get vaccinated today who hasn’t yet.”