All Massachusetts residents over the age of 75 are now eligible to make an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents could begin scheduling a meeting Wednesday for shots fired Monday at one of the state’s more than 80 locations, from mass vaccination sites such as Gillette Stadium to local pharmacies and supermarkets.
State health officials called for patience, warning that it could take several weeks to get an appointment and that with the arrival of more vaccines, additional meetings would be available. Appointments are added continuously, so residents are encouraged to check the website regularly.
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People over the age of 75 can start scheduling to receive the coronavirus vaccine, but AARP in Massachusetts is urging state leaders to set up a hotline, citing concerns about seniors browsing the state’s website to register.
Seniors can start an appointment by following these steps:
- Use mass.gov/COVIDVaccineMap to find a vaccination clinic near you. The map specifies the difference between mass vaccination sites, general vaccination sites, vaccination sites in pharmacies, and local vaccination sites open only to select cities and towns. .
- Make an appointment online and fill out the certification form. The form can be printed from this PDF, completed and scheduled. If you cannot print the form or fill it in online, you can fill it in at the vaccination site.
Once vaccinations are completed for residents over the age of 75, those over the age of 65 and those with two chronic illnesses or medical conditions will be eligible.
As Massachusetts prepares to step up vaccinations, Gov. Charlie Baker has released new details about the launch.
Meanwhile, AARP in Massachusetts is urging state leaders to set up a helpline to help with appointments, citing concerns about seniors browsing the state’s website to register.
In a letter to Governor Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts legislature on Tuesday, State Director Mike Festa and AARP Massachusetts President Sandra Harris called for a dedicated 800 to help seniors sign up for the vaccine. They also said that the state’s website needs improvement.
“People need to know where, when and how they can get vaccines,” they said. “We continue to learn from members that they don’t know when, where or how to schedule a meeting. This is unacceptable to AARP and should be for all Bay Staters. Massachusetts can and should do better.”
The phone rang non-stop at Revere Center on Wednesday, with older residents calling to register for the COVID vaccine.
“You have to be a calming voice and make people feel comfortable and get the information they need,” said Ed Deveau, a part-time worker who answered calls.
Deb Peczka DiGiulio, the interim director of business for the elderly, said residents were looking for answers.
They’re scared. They want this vaccination, they want a solution and we have to help them in this process “, she said.
At this time, Revere has no vaccine available for phase 2. They will receive about 400 doses next week and should receive about the same weekly allocation.
Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo said he was asking residents to call 311 so the city could help “resolve residents through this process.”
The city said it has even launched a campaign to start calling thousands of residents to make sure they get the help they need to register when the vaccine becomes available. They will also help them try to book at pharmacies and supermarkets.
“We will send teams through our mobile town hall and our neighborhood ambassador program to help people get through this process,” Arrigo said.