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Vaccinations are moving at lightning speed in the U.S. and many states have now opened eligibility to all adults over the age of 18. This also includes out of state and even out of country travelers.
With many countries including Canada experiencing very slow roll-outs, some travelers have opted to receive their vaccines elsewhere. In the US, vaccines are plentiful and in almost every pharmacy, health center, grocery store, Walmart and at drive-thru stadiums around the country.
While the U.S. government has not made a statement regarding vaccine tourism, individual states have the autonomy to decide who is eligible for the vaccine.
Disclaimer: U.S. Border Policies and eligibility for Covid-19 vaccines are changing frequently without notice. This information is designed for travelers that are already in the U.S. rather than traveling to the U.S to get a vaccine.
These are unprecedented times and traveling to receive the Covid-19 vaccine could come with risks including being denied entry, visa ineligibility, being infected with Covid-19 while traveling or inability to receive the vaccine. Travel Off Path does not take a stance either for or against the ethics of vaccine tourism.
Choice Of Covid-19 Vaccine
Later in the article we will go over how to find the type of vaccine you wish to receive but first identify if the state you are in requires residency for vaccination. Not all states are vaccinating non-residents.
States Allowing Travelers To Receive The Covid-19 Vaccine
Arizona
Arizona opened Covid-19 vaccinations to all adults 16 and over beginning on March 31, 2021.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, “Place of permanent residence does not factor into whether someone can get vaccinated in Arizona. Please refer to vaccination site details for additional identification and residency requirements as county vaccination sites may restrict appointments to county residents.”
Will and Mona Presley from Ontario have already had their first shot and are scheduled for their second dose according to CBC.
“There is no restriction on citizenship or residency down here. We were treated like anybody else as far as residency,” Will Presley told a CBC morning radio show.
How To Get Your Vaccine In Arizona
There are different ways to go about getting your Covid-19 vaccination in Arizona. The only thing you will need to provide is a government issued ID such as a passport to prove your age.
Find a state run Covid-19 vaccination appointment in Arizona
Find a pop-up vaccination event in Arizona
Find a covid-19 vaccine appointment at locations such as Walmart, Costco, Safeway and CVS.
Louisiana
The Governor of Louisiana announced that beginning on March 29, 2021, everyone over the age of 16 will be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Based on the doses that we will have available in the coming week, now is absolutely the time to expand vaccine eligibility as broadly as we possibly can, which is to everyone age 16 or older in Louisiana, “Governor John Bel Edwards stated.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, there are no residency requirements in Louisiana to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Everyone in Louisiana ages 16 and older is eligible to get vaccinated against Covid-19,” the Louisiana Health Department says. “Having a large portion of the population vaccinated is our best shot at a return to some form of normalcy. Based on conversations with our federal partners, we are encouraged that Louisiana will receive enough doses to vaccinate everyone who wants a shot.”
How To Get Your Covid-19 Vaccine In Louisiana
With the exception of pop up events, all Covid-19 vaccinations in Louisiana require an appointment. There are hundreds of official locations to choose from on the Louisiana Department of Health website. Here are the three different ways to find or book an appointment.
Book an appointment at a location listed on the Louisiana Department of Health Website.
Find a covid-19 vaccine appointment at locations such as Walmart, Costco, Safeway and CVS.
Find a pop-up vaccination event in Louisiana.
Texas
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, as of Monday, March 29, 2021, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.
There is no residency or citizenship requirement in Texas to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. According to Texas Health and Human Services “There is no residency or citizenship requirement to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and a social security number is not required.”
How To Get Your Covid-19 vaccine in Texas
With the exception of pop up events, all Covid-19 vaccinations in Texas require an appointment. There are thousands of official locations to choose from. Here are the three different ways to find or book an appointment.
Use the Texas Vaccine Availability Map to find and book an appointment.
Find a covid-19 vaccine appointment at locations such as Walmart, Costco, Safeway and CVS.
Find a pop-up vaccination event in the Dallas area.
The Easy Way For Travelers In The U.S. To Book A Covid-19 Vaccine
- Go to Vaccine Spotter
- Find the state you are in (ensure residency is not a requirement)
- Choose Your ‘Vaccine Type’
- Book an appointment online (Walmart is the easiest)
- Save your email for your appointment which shows the locations, date, time and type of vaccine
- Arrive for your scheduled appointment and bring official government issued ID such as a passport. (It does not need to be a US passport)
- Receive your shot and CDC vaccine card. Then wait 15 minutes in the waiting area before you leave.
- Vaccination complete if it’s the one dose Johnson and Johnson.
- For all other vaccines types you will have to remain in the US between 3-4 weeks to receive your second dose.
Disclaimer: These are unprecedented times. Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry, visa rules and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories.
Reminder: Get Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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