MARCH 29, 2021
People line up before a Covid-19 vaccination drive the Lynchburg fire Department is helping organize at an old TJ Maxx store in Lynchburg, Virginia on March 13, 2021. – The Lynchburg Fire department teamed up with the city government and private industry to help administer and distribute vaccines to the counties around. They also use outreach with community groups to attract county residents from the surrounding areas to the mass vaccination sites. The biggest challenge the department sees moving forward is getting the vaccine to people in the rural areas. Health workers in the United States have administered more than 100 million Covid-19 vaccine doses, an official tracker showed Friday, March 12, around 30 percent of the world’s total of shots in arms so far. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Since President Joe Biden on March 11 directed that states make every adult eligible for a coronavirus vaccine by May 1, many states have ramped up their vaccine rollouts; moving up dates and announcing new eligibility to meet the president’s timeline. But vaccine rollouts vary by state.
Alaska was the first state to announce and implement eligibility for all adults on March 9. Mississippi has since followed suit, with all individuals 16 and older becoming eligible on March 16. Among other states that have recently made all adults eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, West Virginia opened up eligibility to all adults on March 22, Arizona did the same on March 24, and adults in Texas will be eligible starting March 29.
Still, most states are weeks away from opening up eligibility entirely. For the majority of states, elderly populations and health care workers have been prioritized, with eligibility being opened up to those with certain high-risk medical conditions and other essential workers more recently.
But just because states make certain populations eligible does not mean those individuals will secure a vaccine anytime soon, and some populations will continue to be prioritized above others, depending on the state’s approach. While some states have taken on an age-based vaccine rollout, others have instituted an equity-based rollout, while others have gone for a hybrid approach. Rhode Island, for example, is accelerating distribution of the vaccines to those living in ZIP codes disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, and to those with certain health conditions that make them more vulnerable.
Regardless of approach, some individuals across the country are getting vaccinated without necessarily having priority at the state level, as vaccine rollouts operate differently at the federal, state and county levels. In Delaware, for example, those 50 and older are eligible for a vaccine at local pharmacies, but not with medical providers, or at hospitals. And in various parts of the country others, still, are able to get a dose of a vaccine by being in the right place at the right time, such as at a grocery store as the day comes to an end, and unused vaccines run the risk of going to waste.
Here’s where vaccination eligibility stands in every state:
Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming
Alabama Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: All those ages 55 and older, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, those ages 16 to 64 with high risk medical conditions as well as health care providers, law enforcement and firefighters and nursing home residents are currently eligible to receive a vaccine in Alabama, as well as some additional critical workers defined in Phase 1b.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Alabama
Alaska Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Every adult living or working in the state is eligible to receive a vaccine. Alaska became the first state to eliminate vaccine eligibility requirements for adults on March 9.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Alaska
Arizona Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Gov. Doug Ducey announced that all Arizonans 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine at state vaccination sites starting March 24.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Arizona
Arkansas Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 65 and older, as well as those ages 16-64 with high-risk health conditions, people residing in high-risk settings and some essential workers defined in Phase 1b and Phase 1c.
Next Phase: More guidance is forthcoming on Phase 2, but according to the Arkansas Department of Health’s vaccine plan, “It is possible that Phase 2 will include the rest of the population aged 16 years and upward.”
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Arkansas
California Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 65 and older, people in long-term care facilities, health care workers, people ages 16 to 64 with certain high-risk medical conditions, individuals who reside in high-risk settings, and some workers as defined in Phase 1b.
Next Phase: Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that adults 50 and older will be eligible for a vaccine starting April 1, and those 16 and older will be eligible starting April 15.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in California
Colorado Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: All those age 50 and older, people with high-risk conditions and some front-line workers, as defined by Phase 1b.4, are now eligible to receive a vaccine in Colorado.
Next Phase: Plans for Phase 2 are forthcoming, although they are expected in late April, and will include eligibility for the general public.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Colorado
Connecticut Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals ages 45 and older, with health care personnel, first responders, long-term care facility residents and staff, residents and staff of congregate settings, and educators and childcare providers are eligible for a vaccine in Connecticut.
Next Phase: Gov. Ned Lamont announced that all adults over the age of 16 will be eligible for a vaccine starting April 1.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Connecticut
Delaware Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: All those 50 and older are eligible to receive a vaccine at pharmacies in Delaware, while individuals 16 and over with high and moderate-risk medical conditions, non-paid caregivers of individuals with high- or moderate-risk medical conditions, long-term care facility residents and staff, and employer groups of essential workers as defined by Phase 1a are eligible to be vaccinated through health care providers or hospital systems.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Delaware
Florida Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals age 40 and older, health care workers who work with direct patient contact, long-term care facility residents and staff, and extremely vulnerable people, as determined by a physician are now eligible to receive a vaccine in Florida.
Next Phase: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Individuals 18 and older will be eligible for a vaccine starting April 5.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Florida
Georgia Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals age 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine in Georgia as of March 25.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Georgia
Hawaii Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals ages 65 and over, health care workers, essential workers as defined by Phases 1b and 1c, individuals ages 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions and those on dialysis are eligible for a vaccine in Hawaii.
Next Phase: Phase 2, slated for May 2021, will include individuals ages 16 and over who do not fit into other categories.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Hawaii
Idaho Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults ages 45 and over, health care workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, first responders, K-12 teachers and school staff, front-line essential workers, and those between 16 and 44 with at least one underlying medical condition, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are eligible for a vaccine in Idaho.
Next Phase: Gov. Brad Little announced that all individuals 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in Idaho starting April 5.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Idaho
Illinois Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 65 and older, health care personnel, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, front-line essential workers as defined by Phase 1b, and all those 16 and older with high-risk medical conditions or disabilities, in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Next Phase: Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that all individuals ages 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in Illinois starting April 12.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Illinois
Indiana Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 40 and older, long-term care facility residents, health care workers in close contact with patients, those working in congregate living facilities for youth, first responders, educators and school support staff, individuals with certain high-risk medical conditions, and some veterans are eligible for a vaccine in Indiana.
Next Phase: Gov. Eric Holcomb announced that all individuals ages 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in Indiana starting March 31.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Indiana
Iowa Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 65 and older, as well as those between ages 16 and 64 with high-risk medical conditions, individuals with disabilities, health care workers, first responders, long-term care facility residents and staff, K-12 school teachers and staff, child care staff, and some essential workers are eligible for a vaccine in Iowa.
Next Phase: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that individuals 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in Iowa starting April 5.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Iowa
Kansas Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Gov. Laura Kelly announced that all individuals 16 and over are eligible for a vaccine in Kansas as of March 29.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Kansas
Kentucky Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Anyone age 40 or older, individuals age 16 and over with high-risk medical conditions, residents of long-term care and assisted living facilities, and all essential workers, as defined by Phase 1c, are eligible for a vaccine in Kentucky.
Next Phase: Gov. Andy Beshear announced that all individuals 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in Kentucky starting April 12.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Kentucky
Louisiana Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that individuals 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine in Louisiana starting March 29.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Louisiana
Maine Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 50 and over are eligible to receive a vaccine in Maine.
Next Phase: Gov. Janet Mills announced all adults will be eligible to receive a vaccine in the state beginning April 19.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Maine
Maryland Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals age 60 and older, health care workers and other hospital staff, nursing home residents and staff, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, law enforcement, firefighters and EMS workers, K-12 teachers and education staff, people receiving hospital-based treatment for certain medical conditions, and other workers as defined by Phase 1c.
Next Phase: Gov. Larry Hogan announced that all Marylanders 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine by April 27.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Maryland
Massachusetts Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults age 60 and older, health care workers, first responders, individuals with two or more certain medical conditions, long-term care facility residents and staff, low income and affordable senior housing residents and staff, congregate care setting residents and staff, educators, school staff and childcare workers and certain other eligible workers as defined by the CDC.
Next Phase: Starting April 5, people ages 55 and older and those with one or more certain medical conditions will be eligible for a vaccine. All those 16 and over will be eligible in Massachusetts starting April 19.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Massachusetts
Michigan Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 50 and older, those 16 and older with high-risk medical conditions or disabilities and their caregivers, health care workers, long-term care residents and staff, school and childcare staff, corrections staff and detained individuals and other essential workers as defined by Phase 1c.
Next Phase: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that all adults will be eligible to receive a vaccine by April 5.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Michigan
Minnesota Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 50 and older, individuals 16 and older with any underlying medical conditions, health care personnel, long-term care residents and staff, school staff and some essential front-line workers.
Next Phase: Gov. Tim Walz announced that all individuals 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in Minnesota starting March 30.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Minnesota
Mississippi Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: On March 16, Mississippi became the second state to make all individuals 16 and older eligible for a vaccine.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Mississippi
Missouri Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Long-term care facility residents and staff, patient-facing health care workers, first responders and those who work in emergency services, workers in construction, agriculture and education, homeless individuals and other disproportionately affected groups, high-risk individuals and critical infrastructure workers are eligible to receive a vaccine in Missouri.
Next Phase: Gov. Mike Parson announced that all adults in the state will be eligible for a vaccine starting April 9.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Missouri
Montana Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 60 and older, those 16 and older with certain medical conditions as defined by Phases 1b and 1b+, front-line health care workers, long-term care facility residents and staff, American Indians and other people of color “who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 related complications,” according to the state’s vaccine distribution plan, are eligible to receive a vaccine in Montana.
Next Phase: Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte announced March 16 that all Montanans ages 16 and over will be eligible for coronavirus vaccines starting April 1.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Montana
Nebraska Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals ages 50 and over, health care workers, long-term care facility residents, residents of congregate living facilities, first responders, correctional facilities staff, educators, homeless shelter staff and other workers as defined by Phase 1b are eligible for a vaccine in Nebraska.
Next Phase: All adults 16 and older are expected to become eligible for a vaccine by May 1.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Nebraska
Nevada Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 65 and older, those 16 and older with certain preexisting medical conditions, health care workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, educators and school staff and other front-line and essential workers are eligible for a vaccine in the state.
Next Phase: Gov. Steve Sisolak announced that all individuals 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine starting April 5.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Nevada
New Hampshire Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 40 and older, those with two or more medical conditions that make them high risk and their family caregivers, health care workers and first responders, residents and staff of residential care facilities for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, correctional officers and staff and school and childcare staff are eligible for a vaccine in New Hampshire.
Next Phase: Gov. Chris Sununu announced that adults 30 and over are eligible for a vaccine starting March 31, and all individuals 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine starting April 2.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in New Hampshire
New Jersey Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 65 and older, those 16 and older with certain high-risk medical conditions, health care workers, first responders, long-term care residents and staff, some educators and school staff and childcare workers, transportation workers, public safety workers and other front-line essential workers are eligible for a vaccine in New Jersey.
Next Phase: On April 5, eligibility will expand to individuals 55 and older, those 16 and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and additional front-line workers.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in New Jersey
New Mexico Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 60 and older, those 16 and older with underlying medical conditions, health care workers, residents of long-term care facilities, workers in congregate setting and other essential workers, as defined by Phase 1c are eligible for a vaccine in New Mexico.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in New Mexico
New York Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 50 and older, people with certain medical conditions, residents and staff of long-term care facilities and in congregate settings, health care personnel, first responders, teachers and childcare workers, public transit workers and other essential workers as defined by Phases 1a and 1b are eligible for a vaccine in New York.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in New York
North Carolina Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 65 and older, those with certain high-risk medical conditions in accordance with CDC recommendations, residents of some congregate settings, school and childcare workers and front-line essential workers within Group 3 are eligible for a vaccine in North Carolina.
Next Phase: Gov. Roy Cooper announced that, starting March 31, essential workers within Group 4 such as those working in the chemical and energy sectors will become eligible for a vaccine. All adults will be eligible beginning April 7.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in North Carolina
North Dakota Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: As of March 29, all adults over 16 are eligible for a vaccine in North Dakota, according to the North Dakota Department of Health.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in North Dakota
Ohio Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced that all individuals 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine as of March 29, but later said that those individuals could begin scheduling vaccinate appointments as they become available earlier.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Ohio
Oklahoma Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: As of March 29, all individuals 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine in Oklahoma.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Oklahoma
Oregon Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 65 and older, health care personnel, long-term care facility residents, K-12 educators, school staff and childcare providers, adults between 45 and 64 with an underlying health condition, those experiencing houselessness, migrant and seasonal farm workers, people currently displaced by wildfires, among others defined in Phase 1b – Group 6 are eligible for a vaccine in Oregon.
Next Phase: Starting April 5, individuals 16 and older with an underlying health condition, and all remaining front-line workers, as defined by the CDC, are eligible for a vaccine in the state. All adults will be eligible by May 1.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Oregon
Pennsylvania Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 65 and older, those ages 16 to 64 with high risk conditions, health care personnel and long-term care facility residents are eligible for a vaccine in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, however, is conducting its own vaccine distribution plan, where some workers are eligible for a vaccine as well the populations included in the state response.
Next Phase: Gov. Tom Wolf announced that he is confident the state will make all adults eligible for a vaccine by May 1, following President Biden’s directive.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 60 and older, those 16 and older with underlying medical conditions, hospital employees and other health care workers, residents and staff of some group homes and assisted living facilities and other congregate settings, teachers and school staff and some other workers are eligible for a vaccine in Rhode Island.
Next Phase: Gov. Dan McKee announced that all adults will be eligible for a vaccine in the state by April 19.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Rhode Island
South Carolina Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 55 and over, those with certain high-risk medical conditions or developmental disabilities and some front-line workers, as defined by Phase 1b are eligible for a vaccine in South Carolina.
Next Phase: Starting March 31, all individuals ages 16 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in South Carolina.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina
South Dakota Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 65 and older, people 16 and over with high-risk medical conditions, health care workers, long-term care facility residents and staff, emergency medical services, law enforcement, correctional officers, teachers and other school staff and funeral service workers are eligible for a vaccine in South Dakota.
Next Phase: The state expected to enter Phase 2 in May, making all adults eligible for a vaccine.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in South Dakota
Tennessee Vaccine Eligibility
Current Phase: Adults 55 and older, those with high-risk comorbidities and caregivers of children with high-risk comorbidities, health care workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, first responders and K-12 and childcare staff and some other workers as defined by Phase 2 are eligible for a vaccine in Tennessee.
Next Phase: All Tennessee adults will be eligible for a vaccine by April 5, according to Gov. Bill Lee.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Tennessee
Texas Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: As of March 29, individuals 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine in Texas.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Texas
Utah Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced that all adults are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine as of March 24.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Utah
Vermont Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 50 and older, those 16 and older with high-risk health conditions, health care personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, school staff, childcare workers and some public safety workers are eligible for a vaccine in Vermont.
Next Phase: On April 5, adults 40 and older will be eligible for a vaccine in the state, followed by those 30 and older on April 12, and all individuals 16 and older on April 19.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Vermont
Virginia Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 65 and older, people 16 and older with underlying medical conditions, health care personnel, residents of long-term care facilities, people living in correctional facilities, homeless shelters and migrant labor camps and some essential workers defined in Phase 1c are eligible for a vaccine in Virginia.
Next Phase: Gov. Ralph Northam announced that Virginia will meet Biden’s May 1 timeline for all adults to become eligible.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Virginia
Washington Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Individuals 65 and older, those 16 and older who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high risk for severe illness, people 50 and older who live in a multi-generational household, workers in health care settings, residents or staff of long-term care facilities, some educators and school and childcare staff and some high-risk critical workers in settings such as corrections and public transit, among others as defined by Phase 1b – Tier 2, are eligible for a vaccine in Washington.
Next Phase: The next phase, which includes adults 60 and older, people 16 and older with two or more comorbidities and other critical workers will tentatively begin March 31.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Washington
West Virginia Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Gov. Jim Justice announced that starting March 22, all West Virginians ages 16 and older are eligible for a vaccine in West Virginia.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in West Virginia
Wisconsin Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults ages 65 and older, those 16 and older with certain medical conditions, health care personnel, residents and staff of long-term care facilities and other congregate living facility staff and residents, educators and childcare workers, individuals enrolled in Medicaid long-term care programs and some public facing essential workers are eligible to receive a vaccine in Wisconsin.
Next Phase: Wisconsin officials said they will meet Biden’s May 1 timeline for all adults to become eligible.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Wisconsin
Wyoming Vaccine Eligibility:
Current Phase: Adults 50 years and older, people with certain chronic conditions, health care workers, some front-line workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, individuals who live in group settings, individuals experiencing homelessness and caregivers of people who are medically vulnerable and unable to be vaccinated are eligible for a vaccine in Wyoming.
Next Phase: The next phase will likely open up eligibility to all adults, although details are forthcoming.
More information on COVID-19 vaccines in Wyoming
Courtesy/Source: US News & World Report
