Twenty-eight states in the U.S. are prioritizing K-12 public school teachers for covid-19 vaccine eligibility but New Jersey is not one of them. Last month Gov. Murphy said that teachers were “on deck” and noted that some NJ teachers may be eligible based on other facts like age (over 65) or health conditions or because they’re smokers. Murphy is facing increasing pressure to move teachers up in line.
Here is the list of the 28 states that prioritize teachers for vaccines, along with explanatory information (courtesy of CNN). It’s worth noting that just because a state prioritizes teachers doesn’t mean there is sufficient vaccine availability.
Alabama
On February 8, the state extended vaccine eligibility to additional groups, including people 65 or older and people who work in the education sector: teachers, support staff, community college and higher education.
Alaska
Alaska has made all teachers eligible to receive the vaccine.
Arizona
Education and child care workers are placed in the group Priority Phase 1B, which has been reached statewide. Counties largely determine at what level to distribute vaccines. Some counties have advanced to Phase 1B, which includes essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions.
Arkansas
The state is in Phase 1-B, which includes teachers and school staff as well as other essential workers. The phase began January 18 and is expected to last through April before opening up to individuals 65 and older, as well as those with high-risk conditions.
California
Educators in select counties are eligible to receive the vaccine, as categorized in 1B Tier One. The state is anticipating a more widespread distribution network for teachers and staff in mid-February.
Colorado
Phase 1B.2 started on February 8 and includes child care workers in licensed child care programs, teachers (full-time and substitutes), bus, food, counselors, administrative, safety and other support services offered inside the school.
Delaware
The state has reached Phase 1b. Teachers and education staff are eligible to receive the vaccine, as are child care providers.
Hawaii
Teachers are included as part of the “frontline essential workers” category able to receive the vaccine.
Idaho
As part of the state’s Group 2, Pre-K through 12th grade teachers, school staff and daycare/child care staff are eligible for vaccination.
Illinois
Currently at Phase 1b, teachers, education staff, student aides and day care workers are eligible for vaccination, along with other frontline essential workers.
Iowa
Teachers, staff, and child care workers are in Phase 1B, Tier 1, and are eligible along with first responders and those aged 65 and older.
Kansas
The state is currently in Phase 2, which includes teachers and staff at K-12 schools, including drivers and custodians. Those working in child care are also eligible.
Kentucky
Educators and school personnel initially became eligible at different times throughout the state depending on their location, yet this has now ramped up statewide. Governor Andy Beshear has aimed to complete initial vaccinations for those eligible by early February.
Maryland
Teachers and staff at K-12 schools along with day care providers were part of Phase 1B. The state has since entered 1C.
Michigan
PreK-12 teachers and childcare providers have been eligible since January 11, along with other frontline essential workers and first responders.
Minnesota
Teachers, K-12 staff and child care staff were included in an expansion of access called the community vaccine program.
Nebraska
Educators, staff and daycare providers are eligible under Tier I. However, residents age 65 and older are given priority.
Nevada
Each county in Nevada is responsible for determining eligibility. Some counties are now including educators and staff.
New York
Educators, staff and licensed child care providers have been included in eligibility for vaccination as part of Phase 1b.
North Dakota
Some counties in North Dakota are now vaccinating group 1b, which includes K-12 teachers.
Ohio
The state is aiming to vaccinate all employees of K-12 schools before March 1, the target date for in-person school reopening.
Oregon
Teachers, staff and child care providers are part of Phase 1B, group 1, and gained eligibility to receive the vaccine in the last week of January.
Pennsylvania
Educators have yet to receive eligibility statewide since Pennsylvania remains in Phase 1a, however those in Philadelphia County are under a separate vaccine plan and entered Phase 1b. Frontline essential workers in 1b, including those in education, are now eligible.
Tennessee
Teachers and staff in K-12 and child care are eligible under Phase 1b, which some counties have reached and commenced with distribution.
Utah
K-12 teachers and staff are eligible for vaccination statewide. Governor Spencer Cox said last month the state aims to get all education workers vaccinated by the end of February.
Virginia
Teachers and staff at schools and child care centers are eligible in certain counties that have hit Phase 1B, Group 2.
West Virginia
Teachers over the age of 50 are eligible to receive inoculations. Those under the age of 50 will be offered vaccination at a later date.
Wyoming
K-12 educators and child care providers are listed as eligible in Phase 1B, Groups 5 and 6. Some counties have started vaccinations for those in that tier.
