As more states roll out their vaccination program, many people are anxious to know if they qualify and how to get vaccinated as soon as possible. To make sure you’re in line for those important injections, here’s what you need to know.
Find Out When You’re Eligible For Vaccination
Every state has a priority-based guideline for vaccination its population. While the first phase was indisputably focused on healthcare workers and persons who live in long-term care facilities, the next phase is not as clear-cut. Some states are committed to vaccinating essential workers and the elderly.
Others have prioritized persons with disabilities or those who have life-threatening illnesses. It’s best to check your state’s health department website to see what its guidelines are.
Locate Vaccine Providers In Your Area
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has vetted providers and distributors of the vaccine according to strict eligibility criteria. To find the providers that are close to you, use this designated site. It will make it easier to determine which providers to call and make appointments quickly.
Get Creative With Your Eligibility
Once you’re clear on the guidelines that apply to your state and where the vaccine is located in your community, it’s time to decide where you fall. For example, the definition of an essential worker can be fairly broad in certain states. However, if you still don’t fall within that category, it can also be helpful to list yourself as a caregiver (if you’re taking care of an elderly relative or someone who has a chronic illness) or a healthcare advocate/volunteer.
Also, If you have been classified as overweight or obese based on your BMI, that can work in your favor as well.
Schedule Your Appointments in The Early Morning
When making attempts ot schedule your appointment over the phone or online, many other people want to get vaccinated just a s quickly as you do.
Your local vaccine distribution centers are bombarded with calls all day and a lot of those calls end up going to voicemail. However, several people who have successfully secured an appointment via the call-in method started calling early in the morning. Some even around 5 or 6 AM.