COVID 1 year anniversary Chapter 4: At last, hope Updated Mar 16, 2021; DECEMBER Many schools go virtual before and after holiday breaks over concerns of a new wave of COVID cases. In the middle of the month, however, the state celebrates a ray of hope when it delivers its first two coronavirus vaccines. December 9 December 10 December 11 December 15 Alabama administers its first two COVID vaccines. Walter Doty IV, MD, and Ravi Nallamothu, MD, received the first doses at Southeast Health in Dothan. The vaccine is initially limited to healthcare workers, workers and residents of nursing homes and some emergency responders. December 17 Health officials urge people to skip Christmas gatherings in an effort to slow the case surge seen after the Thanksgiving holiday.