The ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ Will Be Transformed Into COVID-19 Vaccine Site

Health officials announced that California’s Disneyland would reopen as the first large ‘Point-of-Dispensing’ COVID vaccine site in Orange County.

While Walt Disney World in Florida is still open for business, California’s Disneyland is providing the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Since March, Disneyland in Anaheim, California has been closed due to the COVID pandemic. Now Orange County Health officials announced that it’ll reopen but as the first large Point-of-Dispensing (POD) vaccine site in Orange County. 

“The Disneyland Resort, the largest employer in the heart of Orange County, has stepped up to host the county’s first Super POD site—undertaking a monumental task in our vaccination distribution process,” said acting Chairman Andrew Do.

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Known as “Super POD” sites, the five regional Super PODs will have the capacity to vaccinate thousands of residents each day. They’ll increase efficiency and provide multiple vaccine distribution points throughout Orange County. The County will announce additional Super POD sites as agreements are finalized.

Other Super POD locations in California include Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, Cal Expo in Sacramento, and Petco Park in San Diego.

“I’m proud to have Disneyland Resorts and the City of Anaheim, both in my Fourth District, be the first of the Super POD sites in Orange County,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee. “Residents in my district have been highly impacted by COVID-19. These Super PODs are absolutely critical in stopping this deadly virus.”

As of Jan. 13, California officials report 815,900 cases and 31,105 deaths. In Orange County there are currently 207,318 COVID-19 cases. California has the third highest death rate in the country.

Orange County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau announced on Jan. 12 that all Orange County (OC) residents ages 65 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

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For residents in Orange County that are interested in getting vaccinated, health officials say people should use the Orange County’s vaccine and testing management app, Othena, so they can be notified when appointments become available. People should visit https://othena.com/individuals.php and fill out the online form.