On April 5th, the state of Alabama opened up vaccine distribution to ages 16 and up. With coronavirus cases on the rise in many areas around the country, it is vital for all eligible  Americans to get the vaccine. 

According to the Alabama Department of Health, “The Pfizer vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for ages 16 and older. Currently, our county health departments are giving the Moderna vaccine. Other providers, such as hospitals and some pharmacies, are giving the Pfizer vaccine.” Depending on your age, the scheduling process for getting a vaccine is different. 

If you are 18 or older, you are eligible for the Moderna vaccine and can sign up for your vaccine in the scheduling portal at https://alcovidvaccine.gov. To schedule your appointment at an Alabama Health Department, complete the eligibility check questions under the “Schedule Vaccine” tab, select a location to receive your vaccine, and schedule your appointment. If you are 16 or older, you are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine and can search for providers at https://alpublichealth.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/2b4627aa70c5450791a7cf439ed047ec. You can also use the CDC Vaccine Finder to check for vaccine providers in Alabama, including CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens.

Many students at Bob Jones have already received a vaccine. 11th grader Brenna Oxley said, “We [scheduled] it online through CVS and I was able to get the vaccine the next day. Getting the shot itself was even easier. They checked me in and then I went to see the nurse administering the vaccine. She asked me a few questions and then we did it.” Senior Lenora Lee also received her Covid vaccine. “I scheduled it two days in advance and all the Walgreens in Madison had openings,” she said. 

Help keep our community safe and continue to protect yourself and those around you by following CDC guidelines.