WASHINGTON — The COVID-19 vaccination rollout is well underway, but with so many jurisdictions, it can be hard to understand how to sign up, or if you're even eligible.
Here's a breakdown across the DMV of how to find out if you're eligible to make a vaccine appointment, and how to actually make that appointment.
D.C.
D.C. residents over 65 years old are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine along with healthcare workers in Phase 1B.
It’s critical that all who can get a vaccine know how to do so.
The Q and A team took on a few questions viewers texted about how to get the shot.
QUESTION: How do you find out if you are eligible for a vaccine in D.C.?
ANSWER: Currently, D.C. is in Phase 1, focusing on the highest risk individuals along with most of the nation. Phase 1 is separated into Phase 1A and Phase 1B in D.C. Phase 1A includes high-risk health workers, as well as first responders. Phase 1B is comprised of people of all ages with comorbid and underlying conditions "that put them at significantly higher risk" and older adults living in congregate or overcrowded settings. Critical government personnel, law enforcement, nursing home staff and residents, grocery store workers, homeless and transitional housing residents, teachers and school staff are all also included in this stage.
Q: How do you book your own vaccine appointment or an appointment for a loved one?
A: The District has a webpage dedicated to making your appointment and an alert system that will ensure you know when it’s time to get your shot.
Those looking to book an appointment can head over to coronavirus.DC.gov/vaccinateDC to sign up.
Even if the landing page says there are no appointments left, there’s no need to worry. D.C. has an alert system you can sign-up for on the page so that you’ll know when more appointments become available.
Q: If you’re not eligible for an appointment yet, how can you ensure you’re aware when your time comes?
A: The District also has an alert system that will notify residents who aren’t in phase 1A or 1B.
Visit the website and sign up for alerts via email or text message in order to know when you're eligible to get vaccinated.
If you need any additional assistance with signing up for alerts, an appointment or if you don’t have access to a computer in D.C., you can reach the District’s call center for help at 855-363-0333.
MARYLAND
QUESTION: How do you find out if you are eligible for a vaccine in Maryland?
Answer: Maryland is in Phase 1C, which includes healthcare workers, nursing home residents and staff, first responders, adults age 65 and over, and other essential frontline workers, including education, government, lab services, agriculture, manufacturing and postal service.
Q: How do you book your own vaccine appointment or an appointment for a loved one?
A: If you are a resident of Maryland, you can find more resources on what phase you fall under and where the nearest vaccine clinic is by clicking here.
Residents in Montgomery County can register and pre-register for future phases here. Montgomery County remains in Phase 1B due to vaccine shortages.
Prince George's County is in Phase 1C. Residents can register for an appointment here.
Reach out to the Maryland Department of Health by clicking here. You can also call your local health department or dial 2-1-1.
VIRGINIA
QUESTION: How do you find out if you are eligible for a vaccine in Virginia?
Answer: Virginia has a new web portal that asks a few simple questions about who you are and where you live to determine whether or not you're eligible for a vaccine. Click here to visit that web portal.
The Commonwealth is currently in Phase 1b, which includes vaccination eligibility for health care workers, residents of long-term care facilities, people with underlying medical conditions and essential workers.
Q: How do you book your own vaccine appointment or an appointment for a loved one?
Virginia residents are encouraged to contact their local government for additional vaccine information rather than the state. Find your district's contact information here.