All Massachusetts residents age 75 or older are now eligible to make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents can start scheduling an appointment on Wednesday for vaccines administered from Monday at one of more than 80 locations across the state, from mass vaccination sites like Gillette Stadium to local pharmacies and supermarkets.
State health officials have asked for patience, warning that it may take several weeks to get an appointment and that, as more vaccine supplies arrive, additional appointments will be available. Appointments are added on an ongoing basis, so residents are encouraged to check the site regularly.
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People over 75 can start making appointments to receive the coronavirus vaccine, but the AARP of Massachusetts is asking state leaders to create a hotline, citing concerns about seniors browsing the state’s website to register.
Elderly people can start making an appointment by following these steps:
- Use mass.gov/COVIDVaccineMap to find a vaccine clinic near you. The map specifies the difference between mass vaccination sites, general vaccination sites, pharmacy vaccination sites, and local vaccination sites open only to some cities and towns.
- Make an appointment online and fill out the attestation form. The form can be printed from this PDF, filled out and taken to your consultation. If you are unable to print the form or fill it out online, you can fill it out at the vaccination site.
Once vaccinations are completed for residents aged 75 and over, those over 65 and those with two chronic illnesses or medical conditions will be eligible.
As Massachusetts prepares to increase vaccination, Governor Charlie Baker has released new details about the implementation.
Meanwhile, AARP of Massachusetts is asking state leaders to create a hotline 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 State President Sandra Harris called for a dedicated 800 number to help seniors apply 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 hear from members that they don’t know when, where or how to schedule a meeting. This is unacceptable for AARP and should be for all Bay Staters. Massachusetts can and must do better ”.
The phone rang non-stop at the Revere senior center on Wednesday, with older residents calling to try to apply for the COVID vaccine.
“You need to have a calming voice and make people feel comfortable and get the information they need,” said Ed Deveau, a part-time worker who took calls.
Deb Peczka DiGiulio, acting director of senior affairs, said residents were looking for answers.
“They are scared. They want this vaccination, they want a solution and we need to help them in this process, ”she said.
At the moment, Revere has no vaccine available for Phase 2. They will receive about 400 doses in the next week and should receive the same dose weekly.
Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo sayidhe is asking residents to call 311 so that the city can help “guide residents through the process”.
The city said it even launched a campaign to start calling thousands of residents to ensure they get the help they need to register when the vaccine is available. They will also help you try to make reservations at pharmacies and supermarkets.
“We will send teams through our mobile city hall and through our neighborhood ambassador program to be able to help people get through this process,” said Arrigo.