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 that may differ from the priority groups shown here.
SOURCE: Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Click to see recommendations for first groups
Includes workers in: • Hospitals • Long-term care facilities • Outpatient clinics • Home health care • Pharmacies • Emergency medical services • Public health
Goals for vaccination if supply is limited
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
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.
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.
Health care workers
Includes workers in: • Education sector • Food & agriculture • Utilities • Police • Firefighters • Corrections officers • Transportation
Essential workers
Conditions include: • Cancer • Chronic kidney disease • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease • Heart conditions • Solid organ transplant
Adults with high-risk medical conditions
• Obesity • Severe obesity • Sickle cell disease • Smoking • Diabetes
of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution
- 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.
• Hospitals • Outpatient clinics • Home health care • Long-term care facilities
Includes workers in:
• Pharmacies • Public health • Emergency medical services
Includes residents in: • Skilled nursing facilities • Assisted living facilities • Other residential care
Residents in long-term care facilities
Older adults are at greater risk of requiring hospitalization or dying if they are diagnosed with COVID-19. Eight out of 10 COVID-19 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years and older.
Adults age 65 or more
Ethical principles guiding decision-making
