SACRAMENTO, Calif. — More and more mass vaccination centers have opened up throughout the state, but millions of Californians are still waiting for their COVID-19 vaccine.

Santa Clara resident Barbara Martin said she struggled to find a shot until the vaccination site at Levi’s Stadium opened on February 9.

The home to the San Francisco 49ers has been transformed into the largest vaccination site in California, with the city of Santa Clara hoping to vaccinate up to 15,000 people per day at the stadium.

The 74-year-old has been afraid to leave her house since the pandemic began, but as soon as she heard she was eligible to receive the vaccine, she tried to book an appointment right away, she said.

“I really didn’t want to get this corona at all because you know I am up in age, and I am a Black woman,” Martin said.

Before the stadium opened, she said it was difficult to locate available doses and schedule her vaccine appointment.

“It was just getting on the computer, trying to get a date somewhere, anywhere. I didn’t care,” Martin added.

Once the new mass vaccination site opened, she was easily able to sign up and receive her dose. The SoCal native said it was a convenient location for her since she lives right down the street.

However, many other Californians are still struggling to schedule their shots. 

Julia Vidales, who lives in Sacramento, is still waiting to get her vaccine and said it’s been a trying experience attempting to nail down an appointment.

“Crazy. Crazy. I’ve been calling everybody that I can call,” Vidales said.

She’s been on phone calls for hours and checks every day for appointments available online. Vidales said she’s even driven to local pharmacies to try and track down a vaccine.

“To me, it’s like a run around constantly. So, I didn’t get anywhere, so I’m still waiting to try to get a shot,” Vidales explained.

She has health issues and hasn’t seen her grandchildren since the pandemic began.

“I’m diabetic, and I have a heart problem, and I’m 66 going to be 67, so I said I’ve got to go out there and get one as soon as I can,” Vidales said.

County officials said Levi’s Stadium will eventually be able to vaccinate thousands of Santa Clara residents per day. In the future, they also hope the site will open up to all Californians.

Still, Vidales said she shouldn’t have to drive to a different city to get her vaccine.

“They should make it a lot easier for senior citizens to just go and get one,” Vidales said.

Martin said she feels lucky to be in the minority of Californians who have received their COVID-19 vaccines and is looking forward to getting her second dose in 21 days. 

She hopes that by getting the shot, she’s not only protecting herself but doing her part to stop the spread of the virus.