The new COVID-19 vaccines are now rolling out across the country. But how are the vaccines to be distributed and where do towers who want to get vaccinated fall on the list? Here's what we know:
Who Decides: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is making recommendations but all decisions are made by the states which are each separately putting out vaccine distribution plans.
Phased Availability: According to the
CDC's Vaccination Program Interim Playbook, they are recommending that paid and unpaid persons serving in healthcare settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials are first priority (Phase 1-A).
Then once that subset is satisfied, the CDC is recommending that available vaccine doses go to people who play a key role in keeping essential functions of society running and cannot socially distance in the workplace (i.e. other essential workers as outlined by CISA), adults with high-risk medical conditions who possess risk factors for severe COVID-19 illness, and people 65 years of age or older (Phase 1-B).
Again, these are the CDC's federal recommendations but each state is developing and implementing their own distribution plan. If you, or your employees want to get vaccinated, check with your state's online COVID-19 resource guide or contact your own primary care physician for specific information on your state's plan.
