Editor's note: Find the latest COVID-19 news and guidance in Medscape's Coronavirus Resource Center.
While bureaucratic snafus, delivery problems and a lack of planning has bogged down the initial rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, more and more states are expanding the list of eligible recipients.
Still, while political figures and celebrities have already received the vaccine, distribution for the public will take more time. Each state has set priorities about who gets the vaccine first, based on recommendations from the federal government. Currently, the states are rolling the vaccine out in categories based on need. Health care workers and people living in nursing homes are highest priority, and they began receiving the vaccine in mid-December. People ages 75 years and older, along with essential workers like first responders, will be next, although several states have lowered that requirement to 65
Adults between 65 and 75 years old, and younger people (between 16 and 64) at high risk, along with other essential workers, will get the vaccine in the next phase. Assuming there is enough of the vaccine to go around after that, everyone else will be able to get one, likely sometime in the late spring or early summer.
Most vaccinations are now taking place at hospitals or public health clinics. But, the vaccine will likely be available to the public at most pharmacy chain stores like CVS, Walgreens, and others; along with in-store pharmacies at Costco, Kroger, Target, Publix, HEB, and other national and regional chains.
Experts suggest regularly checking state public health department websites for information. Some states offer vaccine safety information, details about who qualifies for vaccines now, where to get them, and ways to sign up for COVID-19 and vaccine alerts. Those websites are listed below.
Alabama :
Health department appointment line: 1-855-566-5333
Alaska :
Arizona :
Vaccine information page
Vaccine locator
Arkansas :
Colorado :
Delaware :
Sign up for updates on availability
Florida :
Georgia :
Hawaii :
Idaho :
Illinois :
Indiana :
Iowa :
Kansas :
Kentucky :
Maine :
Maryland :
Sign up for updates
Michigan :
Missouri :
Montana :
Vaccine information page
Nebraska :
Nevada :
Sign up to be notified about availability
Vaccine locator (for health care workers)
Register for vaccine appointment
New York :
Ohio :
Oklahoma :
Oregon :
See your eligibility for vaccine
Texas :
Utah :
Vermont :
Virginia :
Vaccine information page
Wyoming :
Sources
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: "The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' Updated Interim Recommendation for Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine ― United States, December 2020."
Los Angeles Times: "When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?"
Sources
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: “The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ Updated Interim Recommendation for Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine -- United States, December 2020.”
Los Angeles Times: “When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?”
WebMD Health News © 2021
Cite this: State-by-State Guide to COVID Vaccine Information - Medscape - Jan 12, 2021.
