COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization and Planning

Kaiser Permanente is one of several organizations selected by the government to provide the COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine availability is limited at first. Health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities have been prioritized by federal and state public health departments. 

The vaccine will be provided in phases 

Phases are based on federal, state, and local public health guidelines and reflect guidance from Kaiser Permanente’s experts in infectious diseases and clinical ethics.

The first group vaccinated will be those roles in Phase 1a, in order of priority: 

  • Workers in direct patient care or in high-risk exposure procedures with confirmed/ suspected COVID-19 patients, including workers in long-term care facilities 
  • Workers exposed to / handling specimens from patients who have COVID-19 
  • Workers with higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 and/or who care for populations at greater risk of death or severe illness from COVID-19 
  • Workers administering vaccines for phase 1a, 1b, and 1c populations 
  • Additional frontline workers at highest risk of exposure to suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients via high public exposure and procedures 

Workforce vaccination planning is under way 

  • Vaccination for KP employees and physicians is strongly encouraged, but not required. 
  • Kaiser Permanente is one of multiple approved vaccine providers in each state where we operate.
  • All approved providers must make the vaccine available to the state’s prioritized populations. 
  • We are working to make getting vaccinated onsite at Kaiser Permanente easy and convenient before or after work or while on break. Employees and physicians can also get vaccinated by any COVID-19 vaccine provider approved by their state. 
  • If your role is included in Phase 1a prioritization, you will be contacted by your local manager, supervisor or vaccine scheduling team with details about when and where you can go to get vaccinated. 
  • PPE is still required – even after you get the vaccine. There is no change in personal and patient safety requirements. 

PDF icon Click here if you have more questions. This list of frequently asked questions was last updated on Dec. 13, 2020

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit www.fda.gov.