When Will I be Vaccinated Against the Coronavirus?
Gavin Densmore • January 10, 2021
One way we support our franchisees is with the latest healthcare information. Many of you have asked the question in the article title recently, and we have attempted to find the answer for you. As of writing this article (1/8/21), there are 2 Coronavirus vaccines that have been approved in the US, with more on the way. Part of the process of developing these vaccines was beginning production of doses before the approval process was complete. This allowed the vaccines to be administered almost immediately after the FDA issued the Emergency Use approvals.
But there is still a limited number of doses of either version, so the CDC has issued guidelines to the states on how to best distribute them to maximum effect. You can read their recommendations here, but we are going to boil it down for you. These are only guidelines, so your state may change the order and have their own methods of distribution.
The first group of people on the list include those most vulnerable to the disease and their caregivers. Phase 1a includes healthcare workers and the residents of long term care facilities. As of November 6th, nearly 40 percent of the deaths from COVID-19 in America were residents of long term care facilities. Healthcare workers are at greater risk from exposure to the disease. The CDC considers those on this list to be in the greatest need of the protection of a vaccine:
Examples of healthcare personnel include:
- Emergency medical service personnel
- Nurses and nursing assistants
- Physicians
- Technicians
- Therapists
- Dentists
- Dental hygienists and assistants
- Phlebotomists
- Pharmacists
- Students and trainees
- Contractual staff
- Dietary and food services staff
- Environmental services staff
- Administrative staff
Again, each state may have their own standards, in some cases, healthcare workers that don’t have direct patient contact, including roles like administration and marketing, may not be in the first group.
Phase 1b covers frontline essential workers, including First Responders, Teachers, grocery store workers and anyone else considered on the forefront of keeping society running. It also vaccinates anyone over 75 not in long term care.
Then Phase 1c offers coverage for Seniors not in long term care, including anyone from 64-75, again not in a care facility. You are also in this phase if you are 16-64 and have a condition that increase your risk of dying from COVID-19, like COPD or Diabetes. Finally, the secondary essential workers, including food service, IT, and public safety are added to the list
As of the publication this article, there is no concrete plan for a Phase 2, which includes everyone else. The CDC has promised to update the list as more vaccine becomes available. We recommend that you check with your state or territorial health department for specifics. The CDC has a comprehensive list here. At Home Eldercare is here help you elder loved ones when their turn comes up.