As of October 29, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 through 11, offering millions of children and families a way to help protect themselves against the spread of COVID-19 — while also supporting communities, and paving the way toward regaining a greater sense of normalcy. With this, Tzu Chi Medical Foundation (TCMF) immediately began contacting school districts in Southern California. Soon, Mountain View School District in El Monte, CA, joined Valle Lindo School District in South El Monte, CA, in administering the vaccine to parents and students at the Valle Lindo School District Office and Madrid Middle School. The community vaccination event took place on November 19 and November 20, and a total of 334 doses were given.

On March 20, 2021, Tzu Chi USA hosted an online fundraiser to gather financial support for its medical mission, as carried out by Tzu Chi Medical.

Although many people are eager to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the registration website and large-scale vaccine delivery make it difficult for residents who do not speak English or who have no means of transportation to obtain the vaccine. Fortunately, our Tzu Chi Medical Center in the community also applied for the vaccine, and is open to the public. Many locals rushed to get the vaccine.