Get vaccinated and help Concord return to community events
CONCORD, CA — Have you received your free COVID-19 vaccine yet? If not, it’s time.
Together, we have weathered this terrible storm of a pandemic, and we can now see brighter days ahead. But we must continue to support our family and neighbors by doing our part to protect ourselves and others against this deadly disease.
Now that a vaccine is widely available, we must take that step.
I am heartened to know that the majority of our residents have already received their vaccine. In Concord, 44.6 percent of our community has been fully vaccinated. Countywide, that number stands at 58.5 percent.
And while this is great progress, it’s simply not enough.
Vaccinate you children
The CDC has approved a vaccine for kids ages 12-15 that will bring us one step closer. So, parents and guardians: I urge you to consider taking your children for a vaccine (and maybe a scoop of ice cream) as soon as possible.
My wife and I are fully vaccinated. Recently, my 18-year-old son received his second shot and, my 14-year-old daughter is eager for her turn as well. We, like many others, are doing our part to put this pandemic behind us and return to normal life.
I would like to see Concord surpass the 75 percent mark by July 4. Not only do I think we can do it, I know how important it is for bringing back the community events that we all love – including our Independence Day parade and fireworks show, and our Music & Market series.
Walk-in appointments
Did you know that you don’t even need an appointment to get vaccinated at more than a dozen county-run sites? All sites take walk-ins, and you do not need health insurance, either. Of course, you can make an appointment if you prefer, and many of the sites are open on evenings and weekends.
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) has made it extremely easy – and free – to receive a vaccine. CCHS is even allowing people to choose what kind of vaccine they want: the one-shot Johnson & Johnson, or the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna.
For more information about this or to find a vaccination site, please go to cchealth.org.
The bottom line is that we are fortunate to live in a community that takes the health and wellness of its residents seriously. The vaccine that so many of us hoped would arrive quickly is here. It’s effective, and it’s free. Please do your part by getting yourself and your family members vaccinated as soon as possible.
I look forward to seeing this community gather in person as soon as we can meet the vaccination goals.
Mayor Tim McGallian can be reached at 925.671.2489 or email Tim.McGallian@cityofconcord.org