INDIANAPOLIS — The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccines will start arriving in Indiana any day now, according to state officials.
You can see how many have been administered in Indiana here. The dashboard is expected to be updated at 12 p.m. EST every Wednesday.
On Dec. 11, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the nation's first COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech for emergency use. The first doses of the vaccine began shipping across the country on Dec. 13.
Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization from the FDA on Dec. 18.
On Feb. 27, the FDA gave emergency use authorization for Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine.
WRTV is answering your questions and helping to keep you informed as we navigate the next stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who will get the vaccine and when?
You can see if you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Indiana here.
Healthcare workers and those at particular risk of morbidity and mortality with COVID-19 are the first to get vaccinated.
Vaccinations started on Dec. 14 in Indiana and IU Health Methodist Hospital began receiving doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Dec. 16.
Where can I get the vaccine?
You can view this map below on where you are able to get vaccinated.
How much will it cost?
COVID-19 vaccines in Indiana will be free for patients, according to the state health department. Providers can bill your insurance for an administration fee, but they won't be able to charge patients.
If a patient does not have insurance, providers can seek reimbursement from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relief Fund.
Is it safe for everyone or should certain groups avoid it?
Initially, COVID-19 vaccines will not be available to pregnant women or children, according to the state health department.
Moderna started giving its vaccine to people between the ages of 12 and 18 as part of its study on the vaccine works. The company hopes to have data in spring 2021 supporting the vaccination of adolescents before the next school year.
Pfizer has about 875 people between the ages of 12 and 17 in its trials.
When can kids expect to get vaccinated?
Dr. John Christenson, medical director of infectious disease at Riley Children's Hospital, said there might not be widespread vaccination of children until summer 2021.
MORE INFO | When parents can expect their kids to be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Is there anything you can do to get vaccinated sooner?
As of now, it doesn't sound like it. The state is focusing on vaccinating healthcare workers, long-term care facility residents, essential employees, and vulnerable populations.
This answer may change once vaccines are available to the general public and the state gets more doses, but again, it's still unclear and too early to tell at this time.
MORE INFO | READ: Indiana's vaccine plan
I've already had COVID-19, should I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes and no. Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver said eventually yes, even those who have previously had COVID-19 will be recommended to get the vaccine.
But at first, if you had COVID-19 within 90 days, you may be asked to delay your vaccination.
Will I be able to pick which vaccine I want to get?
Because only three vaccines have been approved for emergency use, no. The state is still working on distribution plans for additional vaccines once they are approved for use.
Can your employer make you get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The answer isn't a simple one. WRTV reporter Stephanie Wade spoke with an employment lawyer about what companies can do.
You can learn more here.
How can I help with vaccination efforts?
The state is working with the Bowen Center to help connect people willing to help with COVID-19 and vaccination efforts and to volunteer opportunities. You can learn more here.
CVS Pharmacy is also hiring 700 licensed pharmacy technicians in Indiana. You learn more hereand click here to apply.
What questions do you have about COVID-19 vaccines? Email them to our Real-Time Editor Andrew Smith at andrew.smith@wrtv.com.
