Despite a sluggish early vaccine rollout across DC, coronavirus vaccinations are now available far and wide, with the government urging everyone over the age of 12 to get vaccinated.
In fact, over 60 percent of the District’s population have already taken their chance to get at least one shot, paving the way for a return to normal life and travel.
However, DC is preparing to close all mass walk-up vaccination sites from July 17. As a result, the government is urging everyone to vaccinate as soon as possible as part of their Don’t Wait, Vaccinate! campaign.
Ready to get your coronavirus vaccination in DC? Here’s how!
Attend a Mass Vaccination Site (Closing Soon!)
Attending a mass vaccination site is without a doubt the easiest way to secure your coronavirus vaccination in DC. At the below locations you can walk up for a vaccination without having to book in advance.
But you’ll need to be quick: these sites will start to close in the coming weeks.
Current DC Mass Vaccination Sites (as of July 5)
| Site | Location | Available Days/Times | Available Vaccines | Closure Date |
| Lucas C Moore High School | 1001 Monroe Street, NE | Tues-Thurs | 10 AM-1 PM Sat | 12 PM-5 PM |
Pfizer, Ages 12+ Johnson & Johnson, Ages 18+ |
July 10 |
| RISE Demonstration Center | 2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE | Mon-Sat | 9 AM-5 PM | Pfizer, Ages 12+ Johnson & Johnson, Ages 18+ |
July 17 |
| Ida B Wells Middle School | 405 Sheridan Street, NW | Wed-Sat | 9 AM-1 PM, 2 PM-7 PM | Pfizer, Ages 12+ Johnson & Johnson, Ages 18+ |
July 9 |
| Anacostia High School | 1601 16th Street, SE | Tues-Thurs | 10 AM-1 PM, 2 PM-7 PM Sat | 12 PM-5 PM |
Pfizer, Ages 12+ Johnson & Johnson, Ages 18+ |
July 17 |
| Eastern High School | 1700 East Capitol Street, NE | Mon, Thurs-Sat | 9 AM-1 PM, 2 PM-7 PM | Pfizer, Ages 12+ Johnson & Johnson, Ages 18+ |
July 9 |
| Ron Brown High School | 4800 Meade Street, NE | Tues-Thurs | 10 AM-1 PM, 2 PM-7 PM Sat | 12 PM-5 PM |
Pfizer, Ages 12+ Johnson & Johnson, Ages 18+ |
July 17 |
How Long Will I Have to Wait at a Mass Vaccination Site in DC?
The wait times can vary greatly depending on the number of people, the number of healthcare workers, and the location. We recommend checking the DC Health website associated with the Don’t Wait, Vaccinate campaign to see how long you might be in line for.
Where Else Can I Get Vaccinated in DC?
If you miss the window for visiting a mass vaccination site, that’s okay. There are still a number of options to get vaccinated in DC.
The easiest way to find a place to get your shot is by using the government’s vaccine locator to quickly and easily search for a vaccine location nearest you. Visit the website to find a vaccine and book an appointment.
Not your plan? Then use one of the other options below to find your vaccine.
Head to a Retail Pharmacies
Select retail pharmacies, such as CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, are offering vaccine appointments and walk-ins. Follow their respective links to set up an appointment or find the location nearest you.
Book an Appointment With the Department of Health
If you are unable to leave your home for any reason, you can make an appointment directly with the DC Department of Health by calling 855-363-0333.
Check Out Grocery Stores for Your Vaccination
Select grocery stores, such as Giant Food, Safeway, and Costco, are administering COVID-19 vaccines in the DC metro area. You should call ahead or make an appointment at one of their stores before going to the location.
Veteran’s Administration
Veterans, their spouses, and caregivers are eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine once they sign up with the VA.
Hospitals
Select hospitals in the DC area are offering free vaccines to all eligible individuals. See where and when you can go below.
| Site | Location | Available Days/Times |
| Howard University Hospital – The Numa Adams Building | 508 W Street NW | Walk-up for 18+, Tues and Thurs, 9 AM-2 PM |
| Howard University Hospital – Pediatric Clinic | 2041 Georgia Ave NW, Tower Suite 3300 | Pre-registration for 12-17, Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-2:30 PM |
| Children’s National Medical Center – Main Hospital Pharmacy | 111 Michigan Avenue NW | Walk-up for 16+, Mon-Thurs, 10 AM-12 PM Appointment needed for ages 12-15 |
| Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Medical Center | 700 Second Street. NE | Walk-ups for 12+, Mon-Fri, 1 PM-4 PM
Open to members 12+, Mon-Fri, 8 AM-4 PM |
| Mary’s Center | 2333 Ontario Rd NW
3912 Georgia Ave NW
100 Gallatin St NE |
Appointment needed for 12+,
Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Sat (2333 Ontario Rd NW), 8:30 AM-2:00 PM |
| Metro Health | 1012 14th Street, NW | Walk-ups for 18+
Tue, Thurs, Fri, 9 AM-12:30 PM and 1:30 PM-5 PM |
Who Is Eligible for a Vaccine in DC?
Any person over the age of 12 is eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. Some vaccines, such as Johnson & Johnson, are only available to people 18 years of age or older.
What Do I Need to Bring to My Vaccine Appointment?
You should bring a state-issued photo ID with you to your appointment. You may be asked to provide your health insurance card if you have one. While you will not be charged for the vaccine, the District of Columbia may bill your health insurance company a small fee for administration at certain clinics.
There’s no need to worry if you don’t have health insurance. The District ensures that no one will be turned away or charged for a COVID-19 vaccine.
How Many Doses Do I Need to Get?
Currently, the DC area is administering Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses with a three-week gap between the first and second doses. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose.
Do I Have to Wear a Mask to My Vaccination Appointment?
The CDC recommends everyone wear a mask to their appointment to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The District of Columbia has made COVID-19 vaccines readily accessible in their push to ReOpen the metro area. The recommendations to the mayor, Muriel Bowser, include a three-stage reopening plan, which can only be implemented if DC citizens get vaccinated. If you’re ready to reopen, find a vaccination site to ensure you do your part to help the community overcome COVID-19.