COVID-19 Vaccine

Approved vaccines are shipping across the U.S. for distribution. Since this is a new vaccine, it’ll take time to build up the supply. Because of this, not everyone will be able to get one right away.

To make sure people at the highest risk for getting COVID-19 or having severe complications from it get the vaccine first, federal and state governments have agreed to use similar phased approaches designed for the most public health benefit. Our frontline health care workers and first responders get vaccines in Phase 1. Experts predict that, once more supply is ready, it should be available to anyone who wants it in the final phase.

Unfortunately, we won’t know how long that’ll take until we know more about the supply of approved vaccines. But here’s what we do know right now. The graphic below is an example of the proposed vaccine phases, which are changing frequently. Check back for updates. Tennessee residents can use this digital tool to see when you’re eligible for the vaccine. If you live outside of Tennessee, this CDC resource on vaccine distribution can help, or talk with your local or state health department.

The Four Vaccine Phases Developed by the Federal Government

PHASE 1

1 A1

Inpatient and other high exposure healthcare workers
Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
First responders
Adults who cannot live independently

1 A2

Outpatient healthcare workers with direct patient exposure, including mortuary services

1 B

K-12 and child care staff
Additional first responders

1 C

Those who are 16+ with high-risk comorbidities

PHASE 2

2 A

Critical infrastructure, including:

Social services
Commercial agriculture
Commercial food production
Corrections staff
Public transit

2 B

Critical infrastructure, including:

Transportation
Public infrastructure
Telecommunications
Utilities/energy

PHASE 3

Congregate living facilities
Corrections
Grocery Workers

PHASE 4

Phase 4 includes everyone in the U.S.

The Four Vaccine Phases Developed by the Federal Government

PHASE 1

1 A1

Inpatient and other high- exposure healthcare workers
Residents and staff of long-term care facilities
First responders
Adults who cannot live independently

1 A2

Outpatient health care workers with direct patient exposure, including mortuary services

1 B

K-12 and child care staff
Additional first responders

1 C

Those who are 16+ with high-risk comorbidities

PHASE 2

2A
Critical infrastructure, including:

Social services
Commercial agriculture
Commercial food production
Corrections staff
Public transit

2B
Critical infrastructure, including:

Transportation
Public infrastructure
Telecommunications
Utilities/energy

PHASE 3

Congregate living facilities
Corrections
Grocery workers

PHASE 4

Phase 4 includes everyone in the U.S.

It’s important to remember this information could change or vary by state or local community.
Since vaccine trials so far haven’t included children or pregnant women, the phases could shift as researchers learn more about the vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Are you a BlueCare Tennessee provider? Click here for information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

All other providers can find more information about the COVID-19 vaccine here.

We’ve compiled answers to your most-asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. This is a developing situation, so check back for updated information.

Most vaccines take several weeks to build an immune response in your body, and the COVID-19 vaccines will likely be no different.

Until the vaccine is widely available and most people have gotten it, you should still practice social distancing, mask wearing and frequent handwashing. Getting the vaccine helps your body fight off the virus if you’re exposed, but mask wearing and social distancing will help prevent you from being exposed until the pandemic is better controlled. This also helps keep you from spreading the virus.

Some people in the clinical trials had short-term side effects to the vaccine. They were mild and went away within hours to a day. Some people got a fever or chills, some had muscle and joint soreness, and some experienced fatigue. A limited number of people who have severe allergic reactions to other vaccines or medicine have experienced allergic reactions to the vaccine. If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction in the past, talk with your doctor about the vaccine. It’s important to remember the side effects went away quickly and were not an infection of the virus. They’re a sign the body is responding to the vaccine.

Older adults have been included in the vaccine clinical trials, meeting safety and effective standards. However, only one manufacturer has done studies with children down to age 12. Other manufacturers will begin these trials soon. Recommendations for children may change following these studies. Children are currently included later in vaccine distribution plans, which could shift as health experts learn more.

So far, pregnant women haven’t been included in vaccine clinical trials. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published on Dec. 13, 2020, that pregnant and nursing women should be vaccinated when it’s their phase for a vaccine. However, talk with your provider to determine whether it’s right for you. As clinical trials expand, health experts will be able to offer more direction.

Yes, this is a scamming attempt. Each state has created their phased vaccine plan. Those don’t allow for paying one’s way to a sooner vaccine time frame. Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage of demand for the vaccine and are trying to trick people out of personal information for identify theft or money. Please talk with your local health department to see when you should be able to get the vaccine.

The federal government is supplying the vaccines currently, so anyone calling or emailing you and offering to sell you a vaccine is also fraudulent.

This virus spreads easily. Getting the vaccine protects more than just you. It will help you protect others who haven’t been vaccinated yet or can’t get it. The virus will likely be around for a long time, so the only way to protect against it is to be vaccinated. This virus may cause many long-term health issues for people who survive it. The vaccine can help protect your health from those consequences.

When It’s Time
To Get Your Vaccine

Getting this vaccine might be a little different from getting your annual flu shot. Health care providers had to sign up months ago to be able to give the vaccine, meaning you might not be able to get it from any provider.

Check with your local health department for vaccine locations and hours, or visit VaccineFinder. Be sure to talk with your provider about your health conditions and any questions you have about the vaccine.

Things to know about getting a COVID-19 vaccine:

You won’t have any out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine.
You won’t get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
You may need to get two doses of the vaccine.
You should still practice social distancing, mask wearing and frequent handwashing, even after getting the vaccine.
You may still need the vaccine if you’ve had COVID-19. Health experts are still learning about immunity to this virus and whether you’ll need the vaccine.
You may need to get the shot every year, like a flu vaccine. Researchers will learn more after long-term studies are done.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The Four Vaccine Phases Developed by the Federal Government

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

The Four Vaccine Phases Developed by the Federal Government

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

When It’s TimeTo Get Your Vaccine

Things to know about getting a COVID-19 vaccine:

When It’s Time
To Get Your Vaccine