By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

ALABAMA — On Friday, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) announced the extension of eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations across the state.

According to the new guidance, vaccinations for the novel coronavirus will be available to people over the age of 55, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and new groups of frontline workers. 

“We have been concerned that many people at high risk and others engaged in close contact work have not been eligible to receive the vaccine yet, but with the additional vaccine supply we are better able to meet the needs of Alabama residents,” Governor Ivey said. “Starting March 22, individuals can be assured of receiving the shots they have been patiently waiting to get.”

The new groups of frontline workers include critical employees in the following fields: transportation and logistics, waste and wastewater, food service (including restaurant workers), shelter and housing, construction, finance, information technology, communications, energy, legal, media, and public safety engineers.

In addition to the new groups of frontline workers, people with the following high-risk medical conditions are now eligible: cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart conditions, solid organ transplant, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, smoking, diabetes, and other medical conditions determined by your primary care physician.

Alabama veterans of any age can receive a vaccine at several VA locations in Alabama, including Birmingham, Guntersville, Huntsville, and the Shoals.

These new groups will add over 2 million people across the State of Alabama who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine from any of the three approved providers.

For more information about how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov.