Now all Massachusetts residents age 75 and older can choose an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents could begin scheduling an appointment Wednesday to administer shots starting 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 called for patience and warned that it could take several weeks to reach an appointment and that as more vaccine supplies arrive, additional appointments will be available. Appointments are added continuously, so residents are encouraged to check the website regularly.
Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get the latest breaking news and in-depth coverage of COVID-19.
People over the age of 75 can start making appointments to receive the coronavirus vaccine, but the Massachusetts AARP urges state leaders to establish a hotline, citing concerns about seniors browsing the state’s website to register.
Seniors 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 selected cities and towns.
- Request an appointment online and fill out the attestation form. The form can be printed from this PDF, filled out and taken to your appointment. If you are unable to print the form or complete it online, you can complete it at the vaccination site.
Once vaccinations have been completed for residents aged 75 and over, those over the age of 65 and those with two chronic illnesses or medical conditions will be eligible.
As Massachusetts prepares to increase vaccinations, Gov. Charlie Baker has released new details about the launch.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts AARP urges state leaders to establish a hotline to help with appointments, and cites concerns about seniors browsing the state’s website to register.
In a letter Tuesday addressed to Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts legislature, state director Mike Festa and state president Sandra Harris of AARP Massachusetts called for a specific number of 800 to help seniors enroll in the vaccine. They also said the state website needs improvements.
“People need to know where, when and how they can get the vaccines,” they said. “We keep hearing members who don’t know when, where or how to schedule an appointment. This is unacceptable for AARP and should be for all Bay Staters. Massachusetts can and should do better.”
The phone rang non-stop at Revere Senior Center Wednesday, with senior residents calling to try to enroll in the COVID vaccine.
“You need to be a reassuring 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 are looking for answers.
“She is OK. They want this vaccination, they want a solution and we have to help them in this process “, he said.
At this time, Revere does not have any vaccine available for phase 2. They will receive approximately 400 doses next week and should get approximately the same batch weekly.
Mayor Brian Arrigo said he is asking residents to call 311 so the city can help “guide residents through the process.”
The city said it has even launched a campaign to start calling thousands of residents to make sure they receive the help they need to register when the vaccine is available. They will also help you try to book at pharmacies and supermarkets.
“We will send teams through our mobile city hall and our program of ambassadors to the neighborhoods to help people walk through this process,” Arrigo said.