It is the goal of federal, state, and local healthcare agencies that the vaccine for COVID-19 will soon be available to the general public. The vaccine will stop the spread of the Coronavirus, decrease cases of death, and help establish herd immunity to protect those who cannot receive the vaccine. In order for this to happen vaccine distribution must be available at pharmacies and doctor’s offices. The public is waiting and wondering when they will be able to receive this vital vaccine. But in order to make the limited supply of the vaccine effective, there are several guidelines that must be followed.
How Will the COVID-19 Vaccine be Distributed?
Public health organizations have expressed caution about how the vaccine will be distributed to the public. Vaccines must be distributed in an order that protects the most vulnerable citizens by establishing guidelines to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine. These guidelines set milestones that will ensure the effectiveness of the virus for the overall population.
Because vaccine supply is limited, the CDC establishes recommendations based on information from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This panel of experts consists of medical and healthcare experts.
It is the goal of the CDC that if state and local health governments follow these recommendations there will be a decrease in deaths and serious illness with COVID-19. These guidelines also protect our most vulnerable including those with pre-existing illness, the elderly, and healthcare workers.
Who Will Get Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine Next?
The latest recommendations from the CDC were given on December 22, 2020. Recommended phases are as follows.
Phase 1B
This phase would include vaccination distribution to frontline workers including firefighters, police, correctional officers, manufacturing workers, grocery and retail workers, and educators.
This phase also includes those over 75 years of age who are at risk of developing severe complications from coronavirus 2019.
Phase 1C
This phase would include those who are ages 65-74 who are also at risk of severe complications from COVID-19. This would include those ages 16-64 with underlying medical conditions. As well as other essential workers, including those who work in transportation, food service, construction, law, and public health and safety workers.
For More Information
It is the goal of the CDC that soon everyone will have access to the vaccine at their local pharmacies. COVID-19 vaccine supplies are increasing, but still limited, making it imperative that all guidelines are followed by health officials.
Each state has constructed its own plan for vaccine distribution with this guidance from the CDC.. Please contact your local health department to determine your states current phase of vaccine distribution so that you can protect yourself.