U.S. States That Do Not Require Residency To Get A Covid Vaccine

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Last Updated 3 years ago

With almost 20 percent of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, U.S. states are making it easier than ever to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Biden directed states to widen the vaccine eligibility to people 18 or older by April 19, two weeks earlier than the May 1 deadline he had announced previously. Many states are now encouraging everyone to get the vaccine including undocumented Americans and out of state visitors.

The Department of Homeland Security released an official statement that says they are fully supporting equal access to the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine distribution sites for undocumented immigrants.

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not conduct enforcement operations at or near vaccine distribution sites or clinics.”

This allows undocumented immigrants to receive the Covid-19 vaccine without the worry of being detained and deported.

Here are the U.S. states that are not requiring proof of residency to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Some counties may restrict vaccines to county resident so be sure to check with your vaccination site/clinic on what you need to bring with you.

Travel Off Path does not take a stance either for or against vaccine tourism. Travel Off Path does not recommend traveling to the United States on a visa for the primary purpose of receiving a Covid-19 vaccine.

U.S. States That Do Not Require Residency For The Covid-19 Vaccine

Alabama

Alabama is now vaccinating all adults aged 16 or over and does not require residency.

Alabama.com reports “The Alabama Department of Public Health, like other state health agencies in the U.S., is focused on vaccinating residents. But they are not turning back out-of-staters, nor are they telling others not to travel elsewhere for a shot.”

Arizona

Arizona will now vaccinate everyone in the state that is 16 and older and does not require residency.

According to Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ says yes out-of-state residents, even folks from out of the country, who are in Arizona can get the vaccine here”.

California

California will vaccinate all adults aged 16 or over regardless of residency.

Fox KTVU reported “Vaccine distribution is based on eligibility irrespective of residency or immigration status.”

Colorado

Colorado will vaccinate everyone in the state that is 16 and older and does not require residency.

The Colorado government website reports “You do not need to be a US citizen, and you will not need to provide lawful presence to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Colorado.”

Florida

Florida is currently vaccinating everyone aged 16 or older in the state regardless of residence.

Florida eliminated the proof of residency requirement for getting the COVID-19 vaccine at state and federal supported sites – the latest step in expanding eligibility across the state.

Indiana

Indiana is currently vaccinating everyone aged 16 or older in the state regardless of residence.

“The state of Indiana has dropped the proof of residency requirement as of April 7th, leaving age as the only remaining eligibility barrier to be vaccinated,” reported NBC.

Iowa

Anyone in Iowa aged 16 or older may receive a Covid-19 vaccine regardless of residency.

A statement from the Iowa government reads “Individuals outlined in ACIP and State of Iowa priority groups may receive COVID-19 vaccines regardless of permanent place of residence (county or state) or where the individual is seeking vaccination. In addition, receipt of COVID-19 vaccine does not require proof of U.S. citizenship.”

Louisiana

Louisiana is now vaccinating everyone aged 16 or older regardless of residency. The Governor of Louisiana announced that starting on March 29, 2021, everyone over the age of 16 will be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, there are no residency requirements in Louisiana to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

Michigan

Vaccines in Michigan are open to adults aged 16 and over without proof of residency.

WDIO ABC reported, “Their department of health said that although they are prioritizing residents of Michigan, no shot in any arm is wasted. Therefore, they will vaccinate students, workers and so on.

Nevada

Nevada will now vaccinate all adults ages 16 and over without proof of residency.

Nevada is following the advise of the CDC that states “to achieve the public health objectives of ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all Americans, Nevada must distribute or administer vaccine without discriminating on non-public-health grounds within a prioritized group.”

In short, this means out-of-state residents cannot be denied vaccination based only on state or county residency status.

New Mexico

New Mexico is now vaccinating all adults 16 or over for Covid-19 regardless of residence.

New Mexico Department of Health officials said they won’t verify the city, state or country of residence, or citizenship when distributing the coronavirus vaccine. New Mexico officials added that they will not share registrant's information immigration status with the federal government.

Ohio

All adults ages 16 and over regardless of residency are now eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine in Ohio.

Ohio does not prohibit providers from immunizing non-residents so providers’ appointments have been booked from residents traveling from other states including Michigan, Illinois, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

South Carolina

The Covid-19 vaccine is now available to all adults aged 16 and over in South Carolina regardless of residency.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control states “Non-permanent residents who are living in South Carolina at the time they are eligible to receive vaccine can be vaccinated here, just as South Carolinians staying in another state can receive their vaccine there. While there is currently no need for proof of residency in order to receive the vaccine, it’s advised that you receive both doses from the same vaccine provider.”

Tennessee

In Tennessee everyone aged 16 years or older is eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine including out of state travelers.

According to the Tennessee government, vaccination sites will administer out of state residents with the vaccine.

“COVID-19 vaccines are a federal resource administered locally by states and other partners to ensure the protection of the population against the novel coronavirus, with those at highest risk receiving vaccines as the first priority. Every dose of vaccine given helps prevent a potential hospitalization and a potential death.”

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.”

Virginia

Virginia is expected to expand Covid-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone age 16 and over by April 18, 2021 regardless of residency.

The Virginia government states “For most localities, proof of Virginia residency is not required. However, some localities may choose to restrict vaccination to residents only.”

The Easy Way To Book A Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment

1. Go to Vaccine Spotter
2. Find the state you are in
3. Choose Your ‘Vaccine Type’
4. Book an appointment online (Walmart is the easiest)
5. Save your email for your appointment which shows the locations, date, time and type of vaccine
6. Arrive for your scheduled appointment and bring what is recommended by the vaccine provider
7. Receive your shot and CDC vaccine card. Then wait 15 minutes in the waiting area before you leave.
8. Vaccination complete if it’s the one dose Johnson and Johnson.
9. For all other vaccines types you will have wait 3-4 weeks to receive your second dose.

READ MORE:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

Countries Allowing Vaccinated Americans To Skip Testing

Countries Open For American Tourists

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 requirements before traveling.  Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories or traveling to receive a vaccine.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.