The first to get vaccinated for COVID-19 in the United States will be some of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Front line healthcare workers, support staff and residents of long-term care facilities are at the top of the list.
"We'll be starting to give vaccine doses in people's arms by the middle of December," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "And then a lot more in January and more in February and as we get into late winter and early spring, a lot more."
The next groups to get vaccinated haven't been decided yet, but in January, it could be more healthcare workers and other essential workers like emergency medical techs, firefighters and police. By February, vaccinations may move to other facilities like pharmacies and medical practices and to high-risk adults.
In March, it's possible that the United States will still be in phase one of vaccination, simply because of the sheer numbers involved. By April, if more vaccines have been approved and brought online, it's possible phase two of vaccinations could begin.
This group might include K-12 teachers and staff, as well as other childcare workers. Other critical workers like retail and transportation may also be involved in phase two.
Young adults and children would have to wait until phase three, likely to be May at the earliest.
