By: Olivia Parker
Updated: Jan. 13, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 12, 2021
Disneyland has taken on a new role as a COVID-19 vaccination super site in Southern California. With the slow distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines, local and state officials are ramping up efforts to immunize the public. Since the theme park has been closed since March due to the pandemic, it makes perfect sense to utilize the space for such a crucial purpose.
On Monday evening, officials from Orange County, California, announced the initiative, revealing that the Disney site could administer vaccines to thousands of individuals each day. However, don’t expect the park to reopen for tourists just yet; it will solely serve as a vaccination hub, which is still a reason to celebrate—#YayVaccines!
“Disneyland Resort, the largest employer in Orange County, has generously stepped forward to host the county’s first Super POD (point of dispensing) site, playing a vital role in our vaccination distribution efforts,” stated Andrew Do, acting Chairman of the First District, in comments reported by NBC News. “We truly appreciate the collaboration from the Orange County Fire Authority, our cities, and our residents as we continue to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations.”
Choosing Disneyland for this initiative is logical, given its closure and the ample space available for mass vaccinations. However, you won’t be receiving your vaccine inside Cinderella’s Castle; the vaccination site is set up in the Toy Story parking lot, where tents have been erected as of January 12, 2021.
Imagine getting vaccinated and checking in at “Disneyland” on social media! It might just entice some adult Disney fans who are hesitant about vaccines to reconsider, especially with the chance to say they received their COVID-19 vaccine at Disney. As a Southern California resident, I’m looking forward to seeing plenty of “Got my Disney vax!” selfies popping up online this year.
“It’s essential to vaccinate as many willing individuals as possible against COVID-19, and we require the space to do it,” one county supervisor remarked. “I thank Disneyland Resort and the City of Anaheim for their partnership in this collective effort to protect OC residents from the virus.”
Currently, only individuals in California’s first tier, which includes healthcare workers, law enforcement, and residents over the age of 75, can sign up for the vaccine. The Disney vaccination site is expected to be operational by the end of the week, and eligible individuals can register online, although the website is not yet available.
Meanwhile, Disney World in Florida might also become a significant vaccination site. Governor Ron DeSantis suggested that distributing vaccines at Disney would be an efficient strategy during a recent press briefing.
This initiative by Southern California to vaccinate the masses is commendable. Don your Mickey ears and get that vaccine!