DOWNEY – A large-scale Covid-19 vaccination operation, capable of vaccinating up to 4,000 people daily, opened Tuesday in Downey, one of five such sites across L.A. County.

The vaccination site is located in the parking lot of L.A. County Office of Education headquarters, 12830 Columbia Way, off Imperial Highway.

County leaders are hoping to contain a surge in Covid-19 infections, which has killed thousands of local residents and pushed hospitals to their limits.

As of Wednesday, all county residents ages 65 and older are now eligible to receive a vaccination. Appointments are required by calling (833) 540-0473 or by going online to VaccinateLACounty.com.

The vaccine supply is still extremely limited and health officials asked for patience “as we work urgently with our federal and state partners to expand capacity and supply in the weeks ahead.”

In addition to Downey, vaccination sites are also located at the Pomona Fairplex, The Forum in Inglewood, Cal State Northridge, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.

“After an exhausting, year-long battle with this highly contagious and deadly virus, we now have a vaccine that is safe, effective and will save lives,” said L.A. County health director Barbara Ferrer. “The vaccines also do more than protect the person getting vaccinated; the more people in a community who are vaccinated and protected from COVID-19, the harder it is for this virus to spread.

“However, this process will take several months and so we ask for your understanding and patience.”