When Can I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine? A State-by-State Guide

With a new presidential administration in power, the nationwide COVID-19 vaccine rollout has become a top priority. President Biden is aiming to release nearly all available vaccine doses to speed up distribution. To date, about 18.5 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine and about 3.2 million are already fully vaccinated. Still, for many it remains unclear when the vaccine will be available and where. Here's a state-by-state look at vaccine distribution plans.

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Alabama has had the COVID-19 vaccine since December 14 and as of early January about 42,810 vaccine doses were administered. On January 18, the state began Phase 1b of its vaccine process, which includes vaccinating people 75 and older, and first responders such as law enforcement and firefighters. Vaccinations are administered by appointment and can be scheduled using Alabama's COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling Hotline at 1-855-566-5333.

Alaska is working its way through various tiers of Phase 1b and 1a vaccinations, meaning it is available to a long list of people, including those who are 65 and older and workers in health care settings who have direct patient contact or direct contact with infectious materials or provide essential services in hospitals, clinics, or home settings. Additional individuals currently eligible for the vaccine in Alaska include frontline EMS and fire service personnel, community health aides, and healthcare workers who are providing vaccinations. Long term care facility staff and residents are also eligible, as are hospital based frontline workers. The state has not yet announced when the next phase of vaccinations will be implemented.

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In order to be vaccinated in Arizona you must be a member of the current phase of recipients, and you must schedule an appointment to receive your dose. Like much of the rest of the country, the state is following a phased prioritization rollout and progress varies by county. For the latest information on vaccinations in your local area, check the state's COVID-19 Vaccination Phase by County page.

Arkansas has given 221,602 doses of the vaccine. The state is currently in phase 1b of its rollout plan, which allows for all state residents who are 70 and older to get vaccinated. In addition, those who work in education, including K-12, child care, and higher education employees are now able to get vaccinated. Community pharmacies and clinics around the state are providing the vaccines. As supplies increase, the vaccine program will expand to include more individuals under Phase 1b (such as food and agricultural workers, firefighters, police and correctional staff). After that, the program will progress to Phase 1C, which includes those who are 65 years-plus, people 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions and workers in transportation, logistics, water and wastewater, food service, shelter and housing, finance, and more.

California hopes to have enough supplies to vaccinate most state residents by this summer. The state is currently continuing to vaccinate those in Phase 1a — health care workers and long-term care residents. The state has also recently begun Phase 1b, Tier One, which includes individuals 65 and older and those at risk of exposure at work, such as education and childcare workers, emergency services workers and food and agricultural workers. To date, the state has administered 2,437,504 doses. Vaccines are being administered at doctor's offices, clinics, pharmacies, and community vaccination sites.

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Like most other states, because of the limited vaccine supply Colorado is administering a phased approach. It is currently in Phase 1a and the first half of Phase 1B. After all of Phase 1 has been completed, Colorado will begin allowing those in Phase 2 and 3 to receive the vaccine. State official project it will take until spring to reach Phase 2 and summer before Phase 3 begins. Phase 3 includes the general public, including anyone 16 to 59 years old.

Those in Phase 1a and the first half of Phase 1b are currently being offered the vaccine in Connecticut. The initial portion of Phase 1b includes individuals 75 and older, as well as residents and staff of select congregate settings. The second half of Phase 1b is expected to start in February and will include individuals who are between 65 and 74. The state's COVID-19 website projects the vaccine program will continue until at least summer and fall of 2021.

Delaware began its vaccination program in mid-December and is now in Phase 1b of distribution. There are various location options for state residents who want to be vaccinated including large vaccination events. Frontline essential workers will be able to get vaccines directly from their employers. The next phase, which will encompass the remaining individuals in Phase 1, is expected to begin in March.

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Demand for the vaccine in Florida has vastly outstripped supply, unfortunately. But the state says it hopes to get a new shipment of vaccines soon. In the meantime, the vaccine is still being given to those who are eligible and appointments are recommended. The current priority for distribution is those who are 65 and older and health care workers who have direct contact with patients. Residents and staff of long-term care facilities are also among those eligible to get vaccinated now.

Georgia residents are able to get vaccinated in a variety of locations including Kroger health sites, Ingles pharmacy, Publix pharmacy sites and U Save It pharmacy sites. About 674,967 vaccines have already been administered. The state is currently in Phase 1a of its program, which includes healthcare workers such as physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, EMS personnel, and environmental services. Also included are residents and staff of long-term care facilities, adults aged 65 and older and their caregivers, and finally law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders.

Vaccination hubs have been set up throughout the state of Hawaii. The state is currently vaccinating healthcare personnel, long-term care facility residents, first responders, frontline essential workers and adults 75 and older. Eligible residents can register for vaccination. Frontline essential workers are receiving vaccinations via their employers or industry organizations. The state expects to begin vaccinating those who are 16 years or older who are not in other categories by this summer.

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About 46,000 Idaho residents had received the vaccine as of Jan. 15. The state has been vaccinating those in Phase 1 and Phase 2. It is expected that the program will expand to include those who are 65 and older in early February. By late February vaccinations should be expanded to include food and agriculture workers, the Idaho National Guard, and manufacturing, and public transit and U.S. postal service workers. Group 3 vaccinations will likely be offered in March or April and will include those who are 16 to 64 years old with high risk medical conditions. The general public will likely not have access to the vaccine until May.

Illinois began administering Phase 1a in December and moved to Phase 1b vaccinations on January 25. Phase 1b includes residents 65 and over and frontline essential workers such as first responders, education, food and agriculture, manufacturing, corrections workers and inmates, United States Postal Service workers, public transit workers, grocery store workers, and staff at shelters and day cares. In addition, based on data showing people of color die of COVID-19 at younger ages, Illinois lowered the age eligibility for Phase 1b by 10 years, from age 75 to age 65. About 3.2 million state residents qualify for the vaccine as part of Phase 1b.

Anyone age 70 and over in the Hoosier State is now eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment. In addition, those who are long-term care residents, and first responders such as law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical service personnel, are currently able to get the vaccine if they have in-person contact with the public. Licensed and unlicensed healthcare workers who have in-person contact with patients or infectious material in any healthcare setting are also among the current vaccine recipients in Indiana. Those who are eligible must register to make an appointment. To date, about 100,019 people have been vaccinated. The full list of who is currently eligible for vaccination is available here.

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Iowa is now offering Phase 1a vaccinations, which includes health care providers and long-term care residents. Phase 1b is expected to begin on February 1. There are several tiers in Phase 1b and because the vaccine is in such short supply, not everyone will be able to receive the vaccine immediately. Tier 1 of Phase 1b includes those who are 65 and over, as well as first responders and pre-K-12 educators and childcare workers.

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About 157,520 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Kansas. The state is currently offering vaccines to those in Phase 2, which includes those 65 and older, those living in congregate settings, and high-contact critical workers. The state is expected to move to Phase 3 in March, which includes those who are 16 to 64 years old with severe medical risks, and other critical workers.

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Slightly more than 300,000 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered already in Kentucky. Like the rest of the country, Kentucky is currently working through a phased approach to distribution beginning with Phase 1a for long term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and health care personnel. 

Limited amounts of COVID-19 vaccines are currently available in select locations only in Louisiana for those who are 70 years or older or are health-related support personnel. The vaccine is also currently available to those who are outpatient clinic providers and clinic staff, urgent care providers and staff, community care clinic providers, behavioral health providers, dialysis providers, home care providers, and  dental providers. Also included are students, residents, faculty, and staff of health schools. Those wishing to get the vaccine must contact a participating location and schedule an appointment.  To date, 314,328 have been administered. 

Vaccines in Maine have been distributed to health care workers and emergency responders, and the state's most vulnerable residents, such as those who live in nursing facilities. The second wave of vaccines began January 18 and included Maine residents who are 70 and older. Those who are age 65 to 69 and adults with high-risk medical conditions are expected to receive the vaccination next, when the supply is available.

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Maryland is in Phase 1c of its vaccination plan. To date it has distributed about 667,275 doses, which is about 5.4 percent of its population. If you are included in Phase 1c, you can enter your address and zip code on the state's vaccination website to find a clinic.

Massachusetts is vaccinating priority groups in Phase 1. This includes all COVID and non-COVID facing health care workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, first responders, staff and residents of congregate care settings, and home-based health care workers. Those who are eligible under Phase 1 can visit this website to view vaccine location.

If you are 65 or older, or an essential frontline worker, you are currently eligible to receive the vaccine in Michigan. Vaccines can be scheduled with your local health department. To figure out the name of the local health department in your county use this link.

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The state of Minnesota is only receiving 60,000 doses of the vaccine per week, which does not go very far in a state of 5.6 million. The state is distributing vaccines to those at the highest risk, particularly health care workers and long-term care residents and staff.

Those who are 65 and older are currently able to be vaccinated at drive-through locations in Mississippi or at private healthcare providers. In addition, individuals who are 16 to 64 years old with a chronic health condition that puts them at higher risk from COVID-19 are also eligible for the vaccine. Still more eligible residents include long-term care facility residents and staff, healthcare personnel, and paramedics. A list of providers offering the vaccine can be found here.

Missouri is currently vaccinating Phase 1a, Phase 1b – Tier 1, and Phase 1b – Tier 2. You can use the state's website to determine your eligibility. There's also a vaccinator map provided on the website.

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About 60,390 doses of the vaccine have been administered thus far in Montana. That translates into about 10,272 residents that have been fully vaccinated. Montana is now in Phase 1b of its vaccine rollout process. As part of Phase 1b, the vaccine is open to those who are 70 or older, as well as those 16 to 69 years old with a high-risk medical condition. Those who are eligible may contact local county or tribal health departments to schedule a vaccination.

More than 137,000 vaccinations have been provided so far in Nebraska. The distribution has been focused on Phase 1 priority groups, with just the initial shots delivered at this point. The second dose of the vaccine is expected to be administered over the next few weeks. Phase 1a in Nebraska includes frontline health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities. 

In Nevada, each county has its own COVID-19 distribution plan based on the needs of the local population. You can check the state's website for county by county vaccine plans. Residents are also encouraged to contact their county officials directly for specific details. You can also sign up to get alerted when it's your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

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The vaccine is currently available in New Hampshire to those in Phase 1a, which includes health works and first responders. Vaccinations have not yet been made available to those in Phase 1b, but this is expected to change by the end of January.

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New Jersey is aiming to vaccinate about 70 percent of its adult population, which amounts to 4.7 million adults, within just six months. Currently, the state is vaccinating those in Phase 1a and many of those in Phase 1b. The state intends to shift to the remainder of Phase 1b and start 1C next. To determine which vaccination phase you are in and be notified when you're eligible you can pre-register for the vaccine.

Those currently eligible for the vaccine in New Mexico include hospital personnel, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, medical first responders, those who work in congregate settings, individuals providing direct medical care, and home-based health care and hospice workers. In addition, those who are 75-plus and those who are 16-plus at risk of COVID complications are eligible. The state's full vaccine plan is available here.

The state of New York is currently vaccinating those in Phase 1a and initial groups in Phase 1b. Vaccines are being made available at a variety of locations including pharmacies, hospitals, and local health departments. You must contact a provider in advance to schedule a vaccine appointment. In addition, there are state-run sites providing the vaccine. The state has launched a webpage that allows residents to determine their eligibility, which can be accessed here.

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Health care workers and long-term care staff and residents are among those eligible to obtain the vaccine in North Carolina right now, as are older adults. The state's vaccine program has not yet reached frontline essential workers or adults at high risk for exposure and increased risk of severe illness. The state website includes a tool that allows residents to identify their vaccine group.

North Dakota has administered about 74,641 doses of the vaccine. Priority is being given to those in Phase 1a, followed by Phase 1b and Phase 1c. However, the state website does not provide a specific timeline for each group. To determine where you fall in the priority order, review the state priority groups breakdown here.

Phase 1a distribution in Ohio began in December and priority was given to vulnerable individuals and those who care for them. During Phase 1B, which started January 19, the state also began providing the vaccine to those at high risk, including those 80 and over and adults or employees in K-12 schools who want to go back to school or remain part of in-person or hybrid learning models, among others. As of January 25, those 75 and older were also eligible for the vaccine. The state's timeline calls for expanding vaccinations to those 70 and older on February 1. State residents should check the website of their local health departments to find out more about vaccinations in their area. Eligible individuals can get the vaccine from local health departments, hospitals, federally-qualified health centers, and some retail pharmacies.

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Oklahoma is still vaccinating frontline health care professionals. It began Phase 1 of its vaccine distribution in December. Those eligible under Phase 1 include long-term care residents, including those at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities, and group homes. Health care workers providing direct inpatient care are also included in Phase 1, as are public health staff conducting front-line COVID-19 work. State licensed emergency medical technicians and paramedics are also among the Phase 1 recipients.

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Like many other states, Oregon is following a phased approach to vaccinations and is currently in Phase 1A, prioritizing healthcare workers and long-term care residents and employees. This group includes doctors, nurses, janitorial staff, and others who have the potential for direct or indirect contact with COVID-19 patients or infectious materials. The state has created an online vaccine eligibility tool to help residents determine whether their profession or circumstances qualify them for being vaccinated now.

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The state of Pennsylvania has begun vaccinating residents who are most at risk of illness. This includes health care workers and Pennsylvanians living in long-term care facilities, persons age 65 and older, and those age 16-64 with high-risk conditions. The state has created an online quiz to help residents determine whether they are currently eligible to be vaccinated.

Rhode Island appears to be behind many other states in distribution of the vaccine. The state website notes that the Rhode Island Department of Health is still planning for the distribution of the vaccine when it becomes available. 

To date, South Carolina has administered 277,258 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The state is in Phase 1a of its distribution plan, which encompasses healthcare workers, long-term care facility residents and staff, hospital patients who are 65 and older, those who are 70-plus with or without underlying conditions, and those who are COVID-19 mission critical state and local government employees.

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South Dakota is currently vaccinating those who are 65 and older, as well as high risk patients (those who are post-transplant or with active cancer). In addition, vaccinations are available to high risk residents in congregate settings, residents of licensed independent living facilities, and those who live in group nursing homes. Next in line are persons with two or more underlying medical conditions, teachers and other school or college staff, and funeral service workers.

Because vaccine supplies remain limited, Tennessee is currently prioritizing who gets it first, beginning with those who are at highest risk of getting the virus. The vaccine is available in all 95 counties in the state. 

Like many other states, Texas is still focused on phase 1A and 1B of its vaccine rollout, which includes those who work in direct patient care, hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health situations, and emergency rooms or urgent care facilities. Additionally, those who work in pharmacies, last responders, school nurses, long-term care residents and persons who are 65 and older or 16 and older with at least one chronic condition, including pregnancy, are also eligible. 

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Vaccines are now available in Utah for healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, first responders, and K-12 teachers and school staff. Those who are eligible must contact their local health department or school district to schedule the vaccination. 

Those who are 75 and older are now able to register for the vaccine in Vermont and set up an appointment to receive it.  Appointments are required to receive the vaccine, walk-ins will not be accepted at the clinics.

Virginia is administering vaccinations to healthcare personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, frontline essential workers, people who 65 and older, people 16 to 64 with an underlying medical condition, and people living in correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and migrant labor camps.

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The state of Washington is currently in Phase 1B tier 1 of its vaccination program, meaning it is available to anyone who is 65 and old and all those who are 50 and older who also live in a multigenerational household. In addition, health care workers, first responders, people who live or work in long-term care facilities, and all other workers in health settings who are at risk of COVID-19 are eligible.

In the nation's capital, residents who are 65 and older as well as residents who work in health care settings are currently eligible to get the vaccine. You must sign-up in advance for an appointment to get the vaccine. You can also sign-up to receive email alerts about the current status of the Washington D.C. vaccination plan.

Those who are 65 and older in West Virginia are currently eligible to sign up for one of the free vaccination clinics now being offered throughout the state. In addition, all state residents are being encouraged to pre-register for a vaccine through the state's Department of Health & Human Services website.

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The COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in a phased approach in Wisconsin, following federal prioritization guidelines. The state is targeting specific groups of people who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 infection including frontline health care workers and residents in skilled nursing and long-term care facilities. Also included are police, fire, and correctional personnel. Wisconsin's website does not indicate a hard start or stop for each phase of distribution.

Wyoming's COVID-19 website notes that because the vaccine is in limited supply, the state is vaccinating its residents in phases. Currently, healthcare providers, staff and those who have close contact with patients are being vaccinated. Wyoming residents can use the website to search their county and find out more about local distribution timelines.

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