The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone ages 5 years and older also receive a booster shot, if eligible. In July, the CDC OK’d the use of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, a two-dose, protein-based primary series administered 3 to 8 weeks apart, for people ages 18 years and older. As of Tuesday, Aug. 9, the Novavax vaccine is available in Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health said.
As of March 29, the CDC recommends a second booster for the immunocompromised and those 50 or older who received the initial booster at least four months ago to increase protection again severe COVID. The next day, the Alabama Department of Public Health made an identical recommendation. Other vaccine information specific to Alabama can be found on the ADPH website.
“Our greatest weapon against COVID-19 is the vaccine, so, if you can, roll up your sleeve and get the shot,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. Free COVID-19 vaccine is widely available in Alabama in 1,450 locations, including retail pharmacies. Every county in Alabama has multiple providers. To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you, text your zip code to 438829 or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/
Alabama’s state health office said close to 70% of the state, or 3.5 million Alabamians, will need to either be fully vaccinated or have antibodies from previous infections in order for the state to reach a level of immunity to stop COVID’s spread in our state. As of Aug. 4, more than 2.4 million Alabama residents had been fully vaccinated and more than 2.9 million had received at least one dose of vaccine.
Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for those six months or older. Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for adults age 18 and older, but only recommended in some situations.
PROVIDERS
A map of vaccine provider locations is available on the vaccination provider tab of the Alabama COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard. Find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you by texting your zip code to 438829 or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/
Alabama Vaccine Dashboard
Find a provider near you on the dashboard’s provider tab
Federal Retail Pharmacy Program
Since Feb. 11, 2021, vaccines have been available at select chain pharmacies and independent pharmacy networks nationwide under a federal program. The independent pharmacy networks include Good Neighbor and Health Mart pharmacies. Check your pharmacy’s website to find out if vaccine is available. Vaccines provided through this federal public-private partnership goes directly to the partner pharmacies and is not part of Alabama’s allocation of vaccines.
See the Federal Pharmacies Tab on the state’s vaccine dashboard to find a pharmacy in the federal program near you
COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
To facilitate expansion of the Alabama Vaccine Allocation Plan, ADPH operates an online portal that allows Alabamians to check their vaccination eligibility and make appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations at county health departments.
CDC U.S. Vaccination Tracking Dashboard
National Guard Assisted in Equitable Distribution Efforts
ADPH made a concerted effort to reach vulnerable communities with the state’s vaccine supply. The effort was intended to reach those at the lowest rank on the Social Vulnerability Index. Alabama National Guard members served as vaccinators in 24 mostly rural counties in the Black Belt and Wiregrass areas of the state. Smaller National Guard teams traveled to each of the state’s eight public health districts for mobile clinics.
Quarantine for Vaccinated Individuals; Health Recommendations
On June 16, Alabama’s state health officer issued updated quarantine guidance for vaccinated individuals that corresponds with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control. The state health officer determines the quarantine options for Alabama.
Alabama’s Isolation and Quarantine Timeframes
CDC Guidance on Quarantine and Isolation
Voluntary or Mandatory Vaccination for Employees?
Employers generally have a right to require vaccination, but may want to opt for a voluntary program.
All Alabama employers who require COVID-19 vaccinations must allow employees to claim an exemption for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs, under Alabama law that took effect Nov. 5, 2021. That law expires May 1, 2023.
CDC Workplace Vaccination Program
Originally posted at 11:40 a.m. Feb. 2, 2021; Last updated at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9, 2022