How to Get in Line for the COVID Vaccine [Coronavirus Vaccine FAQ]

Here’s What You Need to Know About Getting Signed Up for the COVID-19 Vaccine

After a long wait, the COVID-19 vaccines are finally hitting shelves.

Even though the early supply of COVID-19 vaccine is still limited, experts expect this to change very soon. In the weeks to come, new vaccination centers will be opening up across the country. In addition, new vaccines will be hitting the market, and the overall supply is expected to stabilize.

While the CDC is providing guidance to local governments on who should be vaccinated first, it’s going to vary. That means that the best way to make sure you get vaccinated soon is to get yourself on the list.

Here’s what we know so far:

Q: Are the COVID vaccines available yet?

At the time this is being written, there are 2 federally approved coronavirus vaccines available to the public. There are an additional 8 vaccines with a “limited” or “early use approval, and over 60 that are currently in clinical trials.

Available doses are being shipped to state authorities for distribution. However, the massive demand means that it is going to take several months to get everyone vaccinated, if not longer.

But according to the CDC, Long term care residents, health care personnel, and persons 65 years and older should be given priority “Phase 1a and 1b” access. If you’re in one of these groups, you should be able to sign up for a vaccine right away.

Q: When can I get the COVID vaccine?

In addition to the groups listed above, frontline essential workers and people with high-risk medical conditions are also included in group one.

But here’s the thing: All municipalities are different, and the supply / demand conditions are going to vary based on where you live. That’s why getting yourself on the list immediately is important; It’s possible that your vaccine center might be able to get you in sooner than you think.

The CDC’s recommended COVID vaccine schedule

Phase 1:*

• High risk / frontline health workers
• Individuals with high-risk health conditions
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• All other adults 65 & over (Phase 1c)

*If you’re a member of one of these groups, you should call a healthcare provider right away to schedule your vaccine.

Phase 2:

• Teachers and school staff
• Critical workers in high-risk settings
• Residents and staff of homeless centers, recovery centers, jails, and similar facilities
• All other adults not included in Phase 1

Phase 3:

• Young adults and children
• Any other workers in occupations not included in Phase 1 or 2

Q: How do I find a COVID vaccine center near me?

The best way to find a vaccine is to contact your state’s health department. Most of these sites have their COVID information presented front and center, including toll-free helplines and online assistants.

You can also type “[Your state] health department” + “COVID vaccine” into your search bar to get direct results. You should be able to find a current list of vaccine providers, as well as more specific information on how the vaccine is being handled in your state.  

After that, you should contact your preferred provider directly. They are usually the ones who are actually doing the scheduling (though this might change as more federal centers open up).

Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine free? How much will the vaccine cost?

According to federal health officials, the COVID-19 vaccine will be free to anyone that wants one in 2021. In addition, all healthcare providers and clinics receiving the vaccine have agreed to inoculate everyone for free. There is no surprise billing allowed, which means you don’t have to worry about out-of-network charges or anything like that.

Contact your state’s Department of Health for more info, or call your health provider

Unfortunately, it’s going to take some time to get a COVID-19 vaccine for everyone that wants one. But in the next few weeks, things are on track to speed up exponentially as more supplies become available. 

[Recap] How to get in line for the COVID vaccine

• Contact your state health department for information on how the coronavirus vaccine is being distributed in your area.
• Contact one of the vaccine providers in your area. They will ask you about your age, occupation, and other relevant health issues.
• If you can’t schedule a vaccine appointment directly, ask to be added to the list. You will be contacted when your dose is ready.

To your health and wealth,

Wiley P. Long, III
President – MediGap Advisors