In addition to Trump botching the response to the pandemic by dismissing its seriousness and deliberately undercutting common-sense precautionary measures like wearing masks, the vaccination process has also been rocky, leading to a much slower rollout than anticipated, while leaving the public confused as to when and where they will be able to get the vaccine and how they will be told.

My local newspaper the Monterey Herald lays out California’s plan for vaccinating people that I suspect is similar to what other states are planning so I am posting it for the benefit of those who are curious as to when they might be getting the vaccine.

It consists of four stages (Phases 1A, 1B, 1C, 2) some with tiers within them.

Phase 1A consists of three tiers of medical personnel and people in places serviced by them and that process has already started. They are being given these at their workplaces.

Phase 1B consists of two tiers and is expected to begin in early February with everyone in it to get at least one dose by late March.

Tier 1: Anyone age 75 and older; workers in education and child care; emergency services workers (fire, police and corrections officials); workers in food and agriculture, including grocery store workers.

Tier 2: Anyone 65 and older; workers in transportation/logistics; industrial, residential, & commercial sheltering facilities /services; critical manufacturing; incarcerated individuals; homeless.

When the vaccine is available to these groups, it will likely be given by doctors and health plans, primary care clinics, pharmacies, some workplaces and special vaccination sites run by county departments of public health and other community partners.

If you’re eligible based on your age, your doctor or health plan may reach out. Kaiser, for instance, will identify eligible members and offer an appointment. Local health departments say they’ll seek out older adults by working with community groups and retirement communities.

If you’re eligible based on your occupation — education, agriculture and food services — your employer may notify you.

The next stage is Phase 1C that “includes anyone age 50 or older and anyone age 16 to 49 at high risk due to disability or underlying medical conditions and/or disability” and people in those categories should be getting it by late April or early May.

Call the state’s COVID-19 hotline: 1-833-422-4255 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday). The hotline will provide general information about eligibility in Phase 1A, 1B and 1C. Provide your age and a description of the kind of work you do.

Phase 2 is for the rest of the population and that schedule is currently being worked out.