While the Biden government is stepping up COVID-19 vaccinations by increasing its supply by another 200 million doses, the stoves of state-specific rules on who can get a chance now and how to sign up have many scrambled for clarity and help.
Only about 21 million Americans have received at least one dose so far, leaving more than 300 million people in the United States totally unvaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the vaccines, which are free to all Americans, are one of the most important tools to end the pandemic.
Under the Trump administration, the distribution of vaccines began slowly, and states received fewer doses than they expected. And while the CDC has provided guidelines for who should be preferred for a vaccine, each individual state has drawn up its own plan, so exactly where you end up on your state’s priority list will differ. Many states are starting to vaccinate workers and the elderly, but the guidance is also updated regularly.
If you want a chance but do not know where to start, PBS NewsHour has gathered advice on the best way to secure a vaccine. Be generally prepared to do your research and be patient.
1. Try many sources and places to see if the vaccine is available.
There is no single central source to go to to get the vaccine, although some regions have set up mass vaccination sites. For some with the time and access to transportation, it may be worthwhile to drive further to get the vaccine. See if vaccines are administered by:
- Your primary care physician
- Local pharmacies and grocery stores
- Your local health department – depending on where you live, it can be at city or county level.
- Your state health department
2. Read all the online documentation.
Your state, province, city, and health systems should have information about their vaccination processes on their official websites and social media accounts. Check it regularly, as places often change their direction.
3. Sign in wherever you qualify
Some states did not open notifications to the general public, but rather focused on using the vaccine to specific facilities or communities. But for countries where you can register, it makes sense to throw a wide network with all available health systems in your area in hopes of getting notifications about the supply of vaccines in your area. For example, a hospital system affiliated with a university or a private healthcare chain may share information on the availability of vaccines.
4. Keep all your information ready.
If you book an appointment online or by phone, you do not want to waste time tracking your medical history or insurance information or your ID. Here are some other factors you may want to consider:
- The COVID-19 vaccine is supposed to be free, but consult your provider and insurance company if there are administrative costs for care.
- Tell your vaccination provider if you have had an allergic reaction to other vaccines in the past. The CDC recommends that if you have a history of allergic reactions not related against vaccines or injectable drugs, you still need to be vaccinated.
- If you are receiving the vaccine as part of a priority community in your state, it is a good idea to ask your doctor if you need a note to prove the existing conditions, said Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a physician for pulmonary and critical care, said. by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
5. Be flexible about timing.
Although we all have logistical challenges to juggle with the home and work commitments, you should try to plan any available time and date you are offered. This is the biggest vaccination campaign in American history and there are millions of people like you waiting. In some parts of the country, appointments are booked within seconds. “Demand is huge and supply is limited,” Galiatsatos said. “Due to the imbalance, you will probably have access to these vaccines at inconvenient times and moments. So if you can be flexible – if this is an allowance for you – I would recommend it. ‘
6. Be patient.
The distribution of vaccines is expected to improve only in the coming months. In addition to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines already approved for emergency use, candidates from AstraZeneca, Novavax and Johnson & Johnson are making their way through the development process and could eventually contribute to the country’s offering. Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and professor of public health at George Washington University, who also volunteered in the Johnson & Johnson clinical trial, advises Americans to be patient. “I understand it’s very difficult, and a lot of people are so eager to get the vaccine now,” Wen said. ‘But I just want to encourage everyone a little more patience, because vaccinations are increasing [with the vaccine] going to keep getting better week after week. ”
7. Do not risk your health going to a vaccine in person.
While we all hear anecdotal stories of people who are happy to get or vaccinate leftovers when someone misses their appointment, it’s not always a smart strategy to personally wait for extra doses – especially when indoors with others. people in a confined space. . It can be counterproductive to your health. “I’m worried about the possibility of infection,” Wen said. “How tragic would it be if you contracted coronavirus … while trying to get a dose of the vaccine?”
8. If you are able, help others.
Share information with friends, families and neighbors, and let people know if there are vaccines. Ask how people made appointments and share accurate information in your own community. “It really is a time when we all need to come together to fill in the gaps that others may have,” Galiatsatos said. ‘If there’s a tech gap – due to access or literacy for technology – then tap on your neighbor, tap on your grandson or so to help you. We must all come together for this pandemic. ”
READ MORE: The essential questions about COVID-19 vaccine
While the pandemic continues, health experts recommend that Americans continue to take other precautions as well, especially amid the news that new variants of the virus could be more easily transmitted.
“I know everyone is focused on vaccines,” Wen said. ‘But we also know what is needed to prevent the spread. So let’s not forget about masking, avoiding indoor gatherings and physical distance. ”