COVID Vaccine Information for Aviation Workers

There is no single, central source where you must go to get the vaccine, though some regions have set up mass vaccination sites. For some with the time and access to transportation, it can be worth driving a farther distance to get the vaccine, too. Check to see if vaccines are being administered by:

• Your primary care doctor

• Local pharmacies and grocery stores

• Your local health department — depending on where you live, it could be at the city or county level.

• Your state health department

2. Read all the online documentation.

Your state, county, city and health systems should have information about their vaccine processes on their official websites and social media accounts. Keep checking on this regularly, as localities are often changing their guidance.

3. Sign up everywhere you qualify

Some states have not opened up sign-ups to the general public, focusing instead on deploying the vaccine to specific facilities or communities. But for states where you can register, it makes sense to cast a wide net with all the available health systems in your area, in hopes of getting notifications about vaccine supply in your area. For example, a hospital system affiliated with a university or a private health care chain might share updates about vaccine availability.

4. Have all your information ready.

If you’re booking an appointment online or on the phone, you don’t want to waste time looking up your medical history or insurance information or locating your ID. Here are some other factors you may want to raise:

• The COVID-19 vaccine is supposed to be free, but check with your provider and insurance company if there are any administrative charges for care.

• Tell your vaccine provider if you’ve had an allergic reaction to other vaccines in the past. The CDC recommends that if you have a history of allergic reactions that aren’t related to vaccines or injectable medicines, you should still get vaccinated.

• If you’re getting the vaccine as part of our priority "essential aviation worker" status, have your crew badge ready. Most airlines have distributed vaccine priority letters to help Flight Attendants establish essential worker priority vaccine status—bring this to your vaccine appointment. 

5. Don’t risk your health scavenging for a vaccine in-person.

While we’re all hearing anecdotal stories of people lucking out getting leftover vaccines or swooping in when someone misses their appointment, it’s not always a smart strategy to wait for extra dosages in-person — especially if it’s indoors with other people in a confined space. That could be counterproductive for your health.

6. If you are capable, help others.

Share information with your flying partners, friends, families and neighbors, and let people know if there are vaccine openings. Ask around for how people got appointments and share accurate information in your own community.

READ MORE

• The essential COVID-19 vaccine FAQ
• What to Expect at Your Vaccine Appointment

As the pandemic continues, health experts advise Americans should continue taking other precautions as well, especially amid news that new variants of the virus may be transmitted more easily.