All Massachusetts residents who are 75 years of age or older are now eligible to make an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents can begin Wednesday to make an appointment for shots fired from Monday at one of more than 80 sites across the state, from mass vaccinations like Gillette Stadium to local pharmacies and supermarkets.
State health officials urged patience and warned that it could take several weeks to make an appointment and that additional appointments would be available as more vaccines became available. Appointments are added on an ongoing basis, so residents are encouraged to visit the site regularly.
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People over 75 may start making appointments for the coronavirus vaccine, but the Massachusetts GAAP calls on state leaders to draw up a hotline, citing concerns about seniors navigating the state’s website to to register.
Elderly people can make an appointment by following these steps:
- Use mass.gov/COVIDVaccineMap to find a vaccination clinic in your area. The map specifies the difference between mass vaccination sites, general vaccination sites, pharmacy vaccination sites and local vaccination sites that are only open to select cities and towns.
- Make an appointment online and fill out the attestation form. The form can be printed from this PDF, filled in and brought to your appointment. If you cannot print the form or fill it out online, you can fill it out at the vaccination site.
Once vaccinations for residents aged 75 and over have been completed, those older than 65 and those with two chronic diseases or medical conditions are eligible.
As Massachusetts prepares to spark vaccinations, Charlie Baker’s government has released new details about the deployment.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts GAAP calls on state leaders to set up a hotline to help with appointments, citing concerns about seniors navigating the state’s website to register.
In a letter to Governor Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts Legislature Tuesday, State Director Mike Festa and State President Sandra Harris of AARP Massachusetts called for a dedicated 800 number to help seniors sign up for the vaccine. They also said that the state’s website needs to be improved.
“Individuals need to know where, when and how they can receive the vaccines,” they said. “We still hear from members that they do not know when, where or how to plan an appointment. This is unacceptable to AARP and it should be for all Bay Stateers. Massachusetts can and should do better.”
The phone rang incessantly at the Revere Center on Wednesday with elderly residents trying to sign up for the COVID vaccine.
“You need to have a calming voice and make people feel comfortable and give them the information they need,” said Ed Deveau, a part-time worker who answered calls.
Deb Peczka DiGiulio, the interim director of senior affairs, said residents were looking for answers.
“They are scared. They want this vaccination, they want a solution and we have to help them through this process, ‘she said.
Currently, Revere has no vaccine available for Phase 2. They will receive approximately 400 doses next week, and it will receive approximately the same grant weekly.
Rev. Mayor Brian Arrigo says he is asking residents to dial 311 so the city can help guide residents through the process.
The city said it has even launched a campaign to start calling on thousands of residents to make sure they get the help they need to register when the vaccine is available. They will also help them try to book at pharmacies and supermarkets.
“We will send teams through our mobile town hall and through our neighborhood ambassador program to help people walk through the process,” Arrigo said.