
COVID Vaccine Information for District of Columbia Residents
Updated January 21, 2021
Current COVID-19 vaccine supply is limited, and vaccination will happen in phases. While more doses are being produced to meet the demand, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have identified high-risk, high-priority groups whom they recommend to receive the vaccine first. Each state is reviewing the guidance from the CDC and ACIP and determining who gets the vaccine and when in their state.
If you live and work in different states:
To understand when you qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine based on your job (e.g., if you’re an essential worker), please look at the phases for the state where you work. To understand when you qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine based on your age or health conditions, look at the phases for the state where you live.
Below is detailed information on how the District of Columbia is defining the phases of COVID-19 vaccination. Click here to read our frequently asked questions, or scroll to the bottom of this page.
What phase is the District of Columbia currently in?
CURRENT PHASE: The District of Columbia is currently finishing Phase 1a and has begun Phase 1b, Tier 1.
Phase 1a (in progress)
Who qualifies?
- Long-term-care residents
- Healthcare personnel (including veterinary medicine)
- Fire and emergency medical personnel
- Frontline public-health workers
Phase 1b, Tier 1 (in progress)
Who qualifies?
- Continue vaccinating those who qualified for the previous phase
- DC residents age 65 and older
- Correctional Officers
- Those who live or work in congregate settings (intermediate care facilities, community residential facilities, group homes, homeless shelters). Non-healthcare personnel supporting operations of COVID-19 vaccination clinics
NEXT PHASE: Phase 1b, Tier 2
Who qualifies?
- Continue vaccinating those who qualified for previous phases
- Correctional facilities and Detention Centers
- Law Enforcement/Public Safety
- All staff working in K-12 education facilities
- All staff working in child care facilities
- All staff working in grocery stores
LATER PHASES
Phase 1b, Tier 3
Who qualifies?
- Continue vaccinating those who qualified for previous phases
- Staff working in Courts and individuals providing legal services
- Individuals working in health, human services and/or social services outreach programs
- Frontline employees of public (mass) transit
- Individuals employed in manufacturing
- Individuals working in food packaging and distribution
- Employees in US Postal Service
Phase 1c, Tier 1
Who qualifies?
- Continue vaccinating those who qualified for previous phases
- DC residents age 16-64 years and older with a chronic medical condition
- Staff working in food service
- Essential employees in local government agencies
- Essential employees of public utilities
- Essential employees in non-governmental health, human, and social services organizations/agencies
- Individuals working in commercial and residential property maintenance and environmental services
Phase 1c, Tier 2
Who qualifies?
- Continue vaccinating those who qualified for previous phases
- Individuals working in non-public transit transportation services (i.e., for-hire vehicles, ride share)
- Individuals working in logistics/delivery/courier services
- Essential employees working in media and mass communications
Phase 1c, Tier 3
Who qualifies?
- Continue vaccinating those who qualified for previous phases
- All essential employees of institutes of higher education
- Individuals working in construction
- All essential employees working in information technology
- Essential employees in federal government agencies
- Individuals working in commercial and residential property management
Phase 2
Who qualifies?
The following groups qualify for phase 2:
- Continue vaccinating those who qualified for previous phases
- All DC residents age 16 and older not included in previous phases
For Kaiser Permanente members – Frequently Asked Questions
Once I qualify to be vaccinated, how do I get an appointment to be vaccinated at Kaiser Permanente?
Because vaccine supply is limited, we will continue to vaccinate the highest risk first. The fastest way for us to contact you when you qualify for the vaccine is by sending you a secure email through kp.org. If you are a registered kp.org member, that will be the first way we contact you. If you are not registered on kp.org or if you do not open the secure message we send you through kp.org, we will call you. If we cannot reach you by kp.org or phone, we will send you a letter.
If you are not registered on kp.org, please register today so we can quickly contact you when you are eligible for the vaccine and we have supply to vaccinate you.
If my employer, local government or other vaccine provider (outside of Kaiser Permanente) offers me a COVID-19 vaccine, should I take it?
If I receive my COVID-19 vaccine outside Kaiser Permanente, how do I update my medical record?
Log onto kp.org, click on the “Medical Record”, and then select the “Questionnaires” option. Then click on the questionnaire titled “COVID-19 Immunizations outside of Kaiser Permanente” and fill out all required fields.
For people not covered by Kaiser Permanente insurance:
I am not covered by Kaiser Permanente insurance, but I would like to come to a Kaiser Permanente medical center to be vaccinated. Can I?
We are partnering closely with the local county health departments to vaccinate the groups they designate from the community. Please call your local health department to learn which sites are available for you to get the vaccine.
Can I walk into a medical center to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
No. COVID-19 vaccines can only be provided by appointment.
More COVID-19 vaccination resources:
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: Pfizer and Moderna
What to expect after you receive your COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccine: facts and myths