Phased distribution
of the COVID-19 vaccine
CDC is making vaccination recommendations for the United States based on input from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Due to initial limited supplies, a phased vaccine distribution approach is being advised. State and local governments will develop individualized plans and may differ from the phases shown here.
SOURCES: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Click phases to see recommendations
by the National Academy of Medicine
- Includes high-risk health workers who are involved in direct patient care, including those providing care in nursing homes and through home health care, as well as those in health care facility services, including transportation and environmental services.
5% U.S. population
Goals for vaccination if supply is limited
Phase 1A
- First responders are also included.
1 - Decrease death and serious disease as much as possible
2 - Preserve functioning of society
3 - Reduce the extra burden the disease is having on people already facing disparities
4 - Increase the chance for everyone to enjoy health and well-being
Goals for recommending which groups should receive COVID-19 vaccines if supply is limited
SOURCE: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Maximize benefits and
minimize harms
Respect and care for people using the best available data to promote public health and minimize death and severe illness.
Mitigate health inequities
Reduce health disparities in the burden of COVID-19 disease and death, and make sure everyone has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
SOURCE: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Four ethical principles guiding decision-making process if supply is limited
Promote justice
Treat affected groups, populations, and communities fairly. Remove unfair, unjust, and avoidable barriers to COVID-19 vaccination.
Promote transparency
Make a decision that is clear, understandable, and open for review. Allow and seek public participation in the creation and review of the decision processes.
1B
2
3
4
Ethical principles guiding decision-making
- Includes people of all ages with two or more underlying health conditions that put them at significant risk of severe illness
or death from COVID-19.
10% U.S. population
Phase 1B
- Includes child-support workers, such as K–12 teachers, child care workers, maintenance workers, and bus drivers.
- Critical workers in high-risk settings who cannot avoid a high risk of exposure, such as workers in the food supply system and public transit.
30-35% U.S. population
Phase 2
- Includes all children and young adults in the United States 30 years of age or younger. However, children would need to be included in major vaccine trials before mass vaccination of children could take place.
- Workers in industries and occupations important to the function of society and at increased risk of exposure who are not covered in Phases 1 and 2.
40-45% U.S. population
Phase 3
Click to see drafts of individual state plans
1A
1B
- Includes all other people living in the United States. The United States should ensure that all U.S.-based individuals who did not have access to the vaccine in previous phases have access to the vaccine.
10% U.S. population
Phase 4
1A
2
3
4
1A
3
4
1B
1A
1B
2
4
2
3
- All older adults living in congregate settings, including nursing homes, long-term care facilities, prisons and group homes, and multi-generational households.
- People of all ages with underlying conditions that put them at moderately higher risk of severe COVID-19.
- People in homeless shelters or group homes for individuals with physical or mental disabilities and all other individuals and staff in prisons, jails, detention centers, and similar facilities.
- All older adults not included in Phase 1 are included in this phase.
As of November 13, 2020
2
3
4
1B
3
4
2
4
2
3
1A
1B
1B
1B
1A
1A
1A