The RVers Guide to Getting a COVID Vaccine While on the Road

The RVers Guide to Getting a COVID Vaccine While on the Road

So you decided to be safe and social distance from the open road…GOOD FOR YOU!
Many are using their RVs now more than ever. Some are utilizing their units as home offices. Others are doing “stay-cations” in and around their own towns and states. And some have used this time to just plain get away from it all.

But how are you supposed to get your COVID vaccine when you’re away from your permanent home traveling in your mobile home?

It’s EASY! Because you don’t have to receive your shot in the city – or even county – of your registered home address.

While there is still a lot of confusion regarding this matter, here is some information for you to consider:

First, you’ll need to find a location and get your shot scheduled. www.vaccinespotter.org is a great resource to use, regardless of what state you’re in. This website is a tool to help you track down COVID-19 vaccine appointment openings for all states and it’s updated every MINUTE. Rather than searching around on each individual pharmacy’s website, this site automatically scans the pharmacy websites and it will show you any available appointments.

BUT be sure to keep track if you get a vaccine that needs a second dose. Although it is preferred that you get that second round at the same location, at this time it does not appear that it’s mandatory. You might want to ask the pharmacist before you schedule your appointment.

Next, if this will be your second vaccine, know that you might not feel 100% for a day or two, so you might want to plan to spend a little time in one location. You might also want to research clinics and emergency rooms in and around where you’re staying…just in case.

In an article from the February 2021 AFAR travel magazine, Amira Roess, professor of global heath and epidemiology at George Mason University says, “Certainly, being vaccinated will give you peace of mind when you travel; but remember that vaccines don’t work immediately. You need to give your body about two weeks after each dose for a strong enough immune response to occur. . . . We expect that about two weeks after your second dose you may have very high protection.”

Roess notes that because we are still seeing a lot of community transmission of COVID-19, and because there are new variants circulating that we are still learning more about, those who are vaccinated should remain vigilant by continuing to wear masks and practicing socially distancing while traveling.
Additionally, if you’re at a higher risk due to age or underlying health concerns, you might want to plan to continue your travels to areas where there’s a lower rate of cases being reported.