HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Wednesday announced a new, updated timeline for COVID-19 vaccine eligibility in Pennsylvania.

Starting today, March 31, workers in law enforcement, firefighters, grocery store workers, and food and agriculture workers are immediately eligible to register for a vaccine appointment.

Starting April 5, all individuals in Phase 1B will be eligible to start scheduling appointments.

Individuals in Phase 1B include:

  • People in congregate settings not otherwise specified as long-term care facilities, and persons receiving home and community-based services
  • First responders
  • Correctional officers and other workers serving people in congregate care settings not included in Phase 1A  
  • Food and agricultural workers
  • U.S. Postal Service workers
  • Manufacturing workers  
  • Grocery store workers  
  • Education workers 
  • Clergy and other essential support for houses of worship 
  • Public transit workers
  • Individuals caring for children or adults in early childhood and adult day programs

Starting April 12, all residents in Phase 1C will be eligible to start scheduling appointments.

Individuals in Phase 1C include:

  • Transportation and logistics
  • Water and wastewater
  • Food service
  • Housing construction
  • Finance, including bank tellers
  • Information technology
  • Communications
  • Energy, including nuclear reactors
  • Legal services
  • Federal, state, county, and local government workers, including county election workers, elected officials, and members of the judiciary and their staff
  • Media
  • Public safety
  • Public health workers

And finally, on April 19, all Pennsylvania residents age 16 and older will be eligible to schedule a vaccine appointment.

This announcement comes days before some COVID-19 mitigation efforts are set to be lifted.

“It is important to remember that eligibility does not guarantee an immediate vaccination appointment,” Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam said. “Vaccine providers are ready and eager to get a shot in the arm of every person who wants one while we continue to aggressively advocate for more vaccine.”

“President Biden has asked us to make every adult eligible for vaccination with the vaccine he is providing,” said Sen. Art Haywood. “We can do it, we can make the change.  We can get more vaccine to Southeast PA and across the commonwealth and target vaccine, so no one is left out.”

The Department of Health has a tool that allows individuals to find vaccine providers near them. Click here to find a provider near you.