Shots! Your update on all things vaccine in Birmingham

Today we’re talking all things vaccines, the “who,” “where,” and “how.” Keep reading to get the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine in the Birmingham area, and find out what our followers think about getting their shot.

The Who

(Not the band)

Currently in Alabama, if you meet any of the criteria below, you are eligible to get the vaccine, according to the most recent news from the Alabama Dept of Public Health.

• Anyone 65 and older
• Healthcare workers
• First responders including EMS, firefighters, and law enforcement
• People who work or live in congregate settings including but not limited to homeless shelters and group homes
• Religious officials
• Front line essential workers as follows:
  • Corrections officers,
  • Food and agriculture workers
  • US Postal Service workers
  • Manufacturing workers
  • Grocery store workers
  • Public transit workers
  • Educators and childcare worker
  • Judicial officials.

Where to get your vaccine

Alabama just announced new mass vaccination sites across the state, with three here in Birmingham. The newest, Parker High School, was announced Thursday, read all about it in Bham Now’s article.

• UAB Hospital Highlands parking deck (Sunday-Friday, 2-6PM)
• Hoover Met Complex (Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM)
• Parker High School (Monday-Friday, 9AM-3PM)

And don’t forget, you can still get your shot at other locations in the Birmingham area, including CVS and Walgreens. Visit the state health department’s COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard to find clinics near you.

You can sign up to get your vaccine from the websites below:

• Jefferson County residents’ vaccine sign-up
• UAB’s vaccine sign-up
• AL Dept of Health vaccine sign-up
• Walgreen’s vaccine sign-up
• CVS vaccine sign-up

All appointments at Birmingham’s mass vaccination sites are appointment-only, via UAB’s website. None currently take walk-ups. If you’re eligible and heading out to get the vaccine at any location, don’t forget to bring your mask and ID.

Earlier this month, Birmingham approved 22 locations to be potential vaccination sites. You can read more about that at Bham Now.

Your thoughts on shots

Thursday, Bham Now posted a poll on our social media channels to get your thoughts on getting the vaccine.

We asked: “If you haven’t received the vaccine yet, do you plan on getting it?”

You answered:

• Yes: 82.4% (410 people)
• No: 14.8% (74 people)
• Undecided: 2.6% (13 people)

Based on our results, it looks like Birmingham is ready for its shot. If you qualify for the vaccine, make sure to sign up. Even if you’re not able to get an appointment right away, you could be put on a waiting list.

If you have concerns about getting the vaccine, check out UAB’s handy FAQ about the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more about Alabama’s response to the pandemic and its vaccination progress at the AL Dept of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard.

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