COVID-19 Update: Vaccination Information
Most states are in the early stages of their phased rollouts of the COVID-19 vaccines, and eligibility remains limited based on age, occupation, and some underlying health conditions. Among our staff, Smithsonian employees who are most likely to be eligible to be vaccinated or who have already been vaccinated include individuals age 65 and above, public health/medical staff, Office of Protection Services officers, and on-site veterinarians and animal care staff.
The best way to learn more about when you will be eligible for vaccination is to visit your state or local health department website. Many health departments have tools to assist you with identifying where you fall in their vaccine rollout, locating vaccination clinics, and making an appointment. National media outlets are also tracking the distribution. For example, the New York Times has published this roundup, which tracks eligibility by state and criteria. Vaccination plans vary by state and locality, and the length of each phase also will vary in each area according to their supply of and demand for the vaccine. It is imperative that you follow developments in your community and check your local health department website frequently.
We are optimistic that appointments will be easier to come by and eligibility will increase over the coming months. States are setting up large-scale vaccination centers, the President is using the Defense Production Act to increase vaccine manufacturing, and most recently, Johnson & Johnson has applied for an Emergency Use Authorization for their vaccine which, if granted, will bring the number of approved vaccines up to three. Please be patient but persistent!
Recognizing the importance of this topic and the questions and concerns you may have; the Smithsonian will be hosting a series of Smithsonian-wide virtual Town Halls on this issue. We will be sharing more information on the first event in the series in the coming days.
Although much of our attention has been on vaccination, we must also remain focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the impacts of the virus, especially in communities hardest hit by the pandemic. To learn more about how Native communities are fighting back against the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19, we invite you to join the National Museum of the American Indian in partnership with the Indian Health Service on Thursday, February 11th for a conversation about combating the pandemic in Indian Country. Please visit this Prism page for additional details. You can continue to do your part to protect your community by properly wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and staying home if you are sick.
Rollout of the vaccine will take time, but everyone will be able to be vaccinated eventually. Until that time, follow the Smithsonian’s safety guidelines in and beyond the workplace. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the COVID-19 Response Team.
Stay safe and be well,
COVID-19 Response Team
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Posted: 12 February 2021
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