Montco Announces 1B Vaccine Registration Is Now Open

NORRISTOWN, PA — At long last, the next phase of vaccine eligibility has arrived in Montgomery County. Residents in 1B, including essential workers like police officers, grocery store employees, firefighters, and more, can now receive the coronavirus vaccine.

The county is still completing its 1A vaccinations, but there is a belief this will done in a matter of weeks, as the size of weekly shipments coming in the county has vastly increased. So these 1B appointments should be available within a few weeks as well.

>>The Latest Montgomery County COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

"Demand for the vaccine remains high, therefore residents are asked for their patience as the vaccine rollout continues," the county said in an announcement Monday. "Eligibility does not equal availability. Appointments will be released in accordance with supply."

Pre-registration can be made online at the Montgomery County COVID-19 Vaccine page. The county launched a new registration system last week that it says simplifies the process and prevents line jumping.

Phase 1C, which includes other critical infrastructure workers, will open up next Monday, April 12. In two weeks, on April 19, the vaccine will be available to the general public in Pennsylvania.

Even though appointments are now open to all of 1B, the state is currently prioritizing certain groups within that category. The first priority group includes:

• Law enforcement
• Firefighters
• Grocery store employees
• Food and agriculture workers

Those in the rest of 1B include:

• Residents in congregate settings (that are not considered long term care facilities)
• First responders
• Workers in congregate settings
• U.S. Postal Service workers
• Manufacturing workers
• Clergy
• Public transit workers
• Childcare and education employees not already vaccinated

The state has also expanded the list of underlying health conditions that qualify individuals for 1A. See here for details