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More Americans are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but they may still have to wait to receive their first injection, even as supplies increase.
Pharmacy pharmacists are distributing the injections in many states, and sports arenas and fairgrounds are planning large clinics. This latest push is focused for now on those considered most vulnerable to the coronavirus.
The government announced this week that it will no longer withhold required second doses of vaccines, increasing supplies for the first injections.
It all depends on your age, your health, and where you work or live. Ultimately, states determine the order in which people qualify for the vaccine, although the federal government offers guidance.
First: frontline healthcare workers and nursing home residents, who started getting vaccinations last month. States are now expanding into other categories to include other people considered high-risk for COVID-19, such as people 75 and older, firefighters and teachers.
This week, federal health officials urged states to speed things up even more and lower the threshold at age 65 and older. Florida and Georgia and Washington, DC, had already started to do this.
Federal officials also suggested including people under 65 who have certain health problems that make them more vulnerable if they get sick.
The vaccine is likely months away for most younger people. The two vaccines available in the US have not been licensed for children.
WHERE CAN I GET THE VACCINE?
Your options are expanding and vary depending on where you live.
Pharmacies are already distributing vaccines to eligible customers in states such as Alaska, California, Florida, New Jersey and Texas. That list will grow to include grocery stores and retailers like Walmart that have pharmacies, in addition to pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens.
Soccer stadiums, major league ballparks, and fairgrounds are becoming vaccination sites across the country for health officials to increase vaccinations and allow people to maintain social distance.
A vaccination site opened Wednesday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, which was used as a field hospital after the coronavirus pandemic first struck last spring.
Check with your local or state health department for information on open sites near you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website offers links to state health departments and their vaccination plans.
Some states like Arizona, California and Virginia have allowed counties to determine who is eligible to get the vaccine next, said Jennifer Tolbert of the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation.
WILL I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
Yes. At least initially, the sites will require people to register in advance and verify that they are eligible for a vaccine.
Appointments can generally be scheduled online and also over the phone. But expect some delays to register and find a free space.
The registration system in Washington, DC, was quickly overwhelmed after the city opened vaccines to residents 65 and older on Monday. People reported problems with the website and long hours of waiting to register over the phone.
You may need to sit in your car or stand in line depending on where you get the vaccine. But dating is designed to minimize those waits and allow people to maintain a safe social distance while in line.
Georgia pharmacist Jonathan Marquess said Tuesday that he has administered about 1,000 injections so far and that his clients have not had to wait long. The independent pharmacy owner said he has spaced appointments 10 minutes apart to avoid lines and keep people separate.
“Be patient, we will contact you,” he said.
HOW WILL THE VACCINES WORK?
The process is pretty simple, like getting a flu shot. People may need to show ID or verify eligibility before getting an arm stick. Immunizations will be recorded in state and local immunization records.
People with a history of severe allergic reactions may be asked to wait 30 minutes after the injection before leaving, while most others will only have to wait 15 minutes. This will be necessary even for people who use the self-service clinics.
Pharmacists and nurses are trained to handle the rare allergic reactions that can occur, said Kathleen Jaeger, executive of the National Association of Chain Pharmacies.
“This is not new for the COVID vaccine,” he said, noting that some kind of waiting period is recommended for all vaccines.
There are two vaccines available in the US Made by Pfizer and Moderna. Both require two doses three to four weeks apart for full coverage. Recipients can expect to receive a card and reminders by phone or email to return for their second injection of the same vaccine.
It should be free. The government is paying for the vaccine itself. And you shouldn’t be charged a copayment or other fee to get it.
The cost of the injection will be covered by public and private insurance. If you don’t have insurance, providers can turn to a government fund to cover costs.
AP reporter Candice Choi contributed to this report.
The Associated Press Department of Science and Health receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. AP is solely responsible for all content.
