Now that the COVID vaccine has finally arrived, you probably have a lot of questions. If you’ve been avoiding travel during the pandemic, the prospect of driving to get your COVID vaccine can be a little worrying. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help you feel prepared traveling to and from your vaccination appointment. Check out the tips below if you’re planning on traveling to get the COVID vaccine.
What do you need to know about the COVID vaccine?
The COVID vaccine is currently available in the US for a select group of Americans (it will be available for everyone in the upcoming months). At this time, the vaccine is being manufactured by two drug companies, Pfizer and Moderna. Depending on the distributor, you’ll need two shots either three or four weeks apart. The shots are given just like a flu shot in your upper arm by a medical professional or pharmacy worker.
The vaccine has gone through multiple clinical trials and has shown to be effective in about 90 to 95% of people. It’s believed that people who still contract the virus after being vaccinated are much less likely to be severely affected.
Where can you go to get the vaccine?
At this time, COVID vaccine locations are getting rolled out around the country. Some states are offering drive-through vaccinations at larger distribution sites, such as at stadiums with big parking lots. There are also sites set up at some pharmacies and health clinics.
Vaccinations are currently being prioritized for frontline workers, such as medical professionals, and the elderly (typically 65 years and older). If you want to see if you’re eligible to receive a vaccine at this point or in the near future, go to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. There you’ll be directed to a specific state or county website to help you make an appointment to get the vaccine in your area.
What are some safe travel tips during COVID-19?
Most people won’t have to travel too far to get their vaccine. The government’s current plan is to have distribution sites all over the country (including in more rural areas). However, if you do have to drive a longer distance to get your vaccine, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:
Check for any coronavirus travel restrictions
Because the virus is still running rampant in most states, you might come across some travel restrictions on the road (such as no entry in particular counties or quarantine zones). Make sure to check for local closures where you’ll be traveling ahead of time so that you’re prepared for whatever pops up. Bring a GPS with you so you can make your way around any detours if you need to.
Get gas before you go
Make sure to have a full tank of gas (or a fully charged electric car) so you’ll be prepared if your trip becomes any lengthier because of travel restrictions. You can also research gas stations in the area so that you’ll know where you can fill up if you need to.
Charge your phone or bring a car charger
Because you might be depending on your GPS, it’s helpful to have a fully charged phone or a phone charger in your car. If you end up needing to stay somewhere or call an Uber to drive you home, you’ll want a fully functioning phone.
Bring extra supplies
Stock up on extra masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes so you can make sure you’re safe while you’re on the road. These supplies can also be helpful if you find yourself needing to make stops at gas stations or public restrooms, where there will be commonly touched surfaces.
Take food and water
While you’re traveling, you might need to make stops to get gas or use public restrooms on the road. These stops can’t be avoided, but you can pack food and water so that you don’t also have to stop for refreshments. Bringing food and water with you can help you limit your contact with others (and save you a little money, too!).
Bring along someone else who can drive
Most people will feel fine after they’ve received their vaccine. But anyone who has had negative reactions to vaccines in the past might feel more comfortable having someone come along who can drive them home if they’re not feeling well.
Getting the COVID vaccine is all about staying healthy. As long as you play it safe on the roads (and remember to bring your disabled parking permit with you if you have one!), you’ll be able to travel with no problems!