Connecting to local COVID-19 vaccine resources through a zip-code based tool

Staying up to date on the latest news regarding the COVID-19 vaccine may sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding information that is relevant to you. Having COVID-19 vaccine resources that are specific to your local area may help you find what you need in order to help you take steps towards getting vaccinated.

To help streamline this information, UnitedHealthcare has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Locatorto help consumers find the latest public resources from state and local health departments, as well as links to some health care systems and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) VaccineFinder, in one place. This information is sorted by zip code, updated twice daily and available in both English and Spanish. Information from these public resources may include:  

• Who is eligible to get a vaccine
  Due to the initial limited supply of the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC and state and local health departments are coordinating who should get vaccinated first – which can vary by state, county and city. The information gathered by the Vaccine Resource Locator may help you find links to your state and county public health department websites, which will have the latest on current vaccine eligibility in your area. The site includes all 64 health jurisdictions, including all 50 states and territories.
  
• Where to get a vaccine, when available
  FDA-authorized and approved COVID-19 vaccines may become available at retail pharmacies, doctors’ offices, hospitals and federally qualified health centers. Availability per location may vary. By typing in your zip code, the Vaccine Resource Locator may include links to some health care systems with local scheduling capabilities, as well as links to the CDC VaccineFinder to help you find the nearest COVID-19 vaccination location to you.
  
• How to sign up for alerts
  If you aren’t yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you may be directed to sign up for alerts to help notify you to schedule an appointment, once the vaccine is available.
  
• How to schedule an appointment for your vaccine
  In some places, the Vaccine Resource Locator will help direct you to other websites to make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, for those who meet the requirements for eligibility.

“Consumers needed one place where they could easily find COVID-19 vaccine information that is specific to where they live, which also helps to educate them on the vaccine, as well as see their state guidelines for who should get vaccinated, and when and where vaccines might be available,” said Dr. Anne Docimo, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare. “Because COVID-19 vaccines are an important step in slowing the spread of the disease, we developed the Vaccine Resource Locator to make it easier for consumers to find information that is specific to where they live and in some cases, make an appointment to get their COVID-19 vaccine.”

Additional COVID-19 resources can be found in the UnitedHealthcare COVID-19 resource center, including information about testing sites and frequently asked questions.