COVID-19 Booster Shots: Where To Find Them In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — Booster shots, available at pharmacies/clinics in San Diego, are the best defense against COVID-19 illnesses as the omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads across the country, according to health officials.

Breakthrough COVID-19 cases from the omicron variant — infections among the vaccinated — are less common among people who have received their third vaccination shots, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The omicron variant, first reported in South Africa on Nov. 24, has been detected in all but a handful of states, including California.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, said Friday the Pfizer and Moderna booster shots work well against the omicron variant and that there's no need for a specific vaccine to fight it.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the omicron variant is likely to become the dominant coronavirus strain in the coming weeks. It currently represents 3 percent of new infections.

Public health officials are concerned that vaccination rates — currently 61 percent of eligible Americans are fully vaccinated, and only 28 percent have gotten booster shots — are insufficient to fend off a fifth wave of the coronavirus. COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing, with about 120,000 new cases and 1,200 deaths reported each day, mainly from the delta variant.

To get a booster shot in San Diego, go to:

Jo and Vi Jacobs Center
404 Euclid Ave., San Diego
Appointments highly recommended, but not required

Vons Pharmacy
620 Dennery Road, San Diego

Walmart
710 Dennery Road, San Diego

Walmart
575 Saturn Blvd., San Diego

CVS Pharmacy
645 Saturn Blvd., San Diego

Rite Aid
1854 Coronado Ave., San Diego

Rite Aid
1735 Euclid Ave., San Diego

Costco
650 Gateway Center Dr., San Diego

Walmart
2121 Imperial Ave., San Diego

Sams Club
6336 College Grove Way, San Diego

Walmart
3412 College Ave., San Diego

CVS Pharmacy
4404 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego

Viet Pharmacy and Medical Supplies
4616 El Cajon Blvd. #6, San Diego

Rite Aid
3650 Adams Ave., San Diego

Vons Pharmacy
3610 Adams Ave., San Diego

CVS Pharmacy
3029 University Ave., San Diego

Vons Pharmacy
4145 30th St., San Diego

Vons Pharmacy
6155 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego

Regents Pharmacy
6255 University Ave. #A1, San Diego

CVS Pharmacy
3030 Grape St., San Diego

Rite Aid
6405 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego

Costco
2345 Fenton Pkwy., San Diego

Rite Aid
6505 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego

Kaiser SC — San Diego Zion Medical Center
4647 Zion Ave., San Diego

Alvarado Community Pharmacy
6367 Alvarado Ct. #109, San Diego

CVS Pharmacy
1288 Camino Del Rio N., San Diego

Rite Aid
535 Robinson Ave., San Diego

CVS Pharmacy
313 Washington St., San Diego

The CDC says Pfizer and Moderna booster shots both provide increased protection against COVID-19 and helped prevent severe symptoms in breakthrough cases.