Vaccine Tourism Is Popular At SFO Clinic: Airport Officials

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The San Francisco International Airport is a hub for vaccine tourism, with 80 percent of new vaccine appointments at SFO’s vaccination site coming from non-United States citizens, according to the airport.

Vaccine tourism has become a popular method for people in countries where the COVID-19 vaccine is not yet widely available. Many are coming to SFO, which surpassed 30,000 vaccine doses administered this week. The SFO Medical Clinic is offering free Johnson & Johnson vaccines to visitors on an appointment basis.

Over 1,000 doses have been administered to visitors from 58 different countries.

"This trend truly represents a win-win situation for all," said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. "It ensures that vaccines doses do not go unused by making them available to those who may have trouble accessing it in their home country. It also stimulates travel and visitor spending for the Bay Area, and — most importantly — it helps protect against community spread of the virus.”

SFO has been serving as a vaccination site since February, administering over 26,500 doses via a drive-in facility at one of its parking garages. Another 2,200 doses were administered at the International Terminal in May for airport workers, local residents and travelers.

Click here for more information on vaccinations at SFO.