All Massachusetts residents aged 75 and older are now eligible to schedule an appointment to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents can start scheduling an appointment Wednesday for injections to be administered starting Monday at any of more than 80 locations across the state, from mass vaccination sites like Gillette Stadium to local pharmacies and grocery stores.
State health officials urged patience, warning that it may take several weeks to get an appointment and that as more vaccines arrive, additional appointments will become available. Appointments are added continuously, so residents are encouraged to visit the website regularly.
Download our mobile app for iOS or Android for the latest news and extensive coverage on COVID-19.
People over the age of 75 can make arrangements to receive the coronavirus vaccine, but the Massachusetts AARP is urging state leaders to set up a hotline, citing concerns about seniors navigating the state’s website to register .
Seniors can start making an appointment by following these steps:
- Use mass.gov/COVIDVaccineMap to find a vaccination clinic near you. The map shows the difference between mass vaccination sites, general vaccination sites, pharmacy vaccination sites and local vaccination sites that are only open to selected cities and towns.
- Make an appointment online and fill in the attestation form. The form can be printed from this PDF, completed and brought to your appointment. If you are unable to print the form or fill it out online, you can fill it out on the vaccination site.
Once vaccinations are complete for residents 75 and older, those over 65 and those with two chronic illnesses or medical conditions are eligible.
As Massachusetts prepares to ramp up vaccinations, Governor Charlie Baker has released new details about the rollout.
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts AARP is urging state leaders to set up a hotline to assist with appointments, citing concerns about seniors navigating the state’s website to register.
In a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker and the Massachusetts legislature, State Director Mike Festa and State President Sandra Harris of AARP Massachusetts called for a special 800 number to help seniors sign up for the vaccine. They also said the state website needs to be improved.
“Individuals need to know where, when and how to get the vaccines,” they said. “We keep hearing from members that they don’t know when, where, or how to schedule an appointment. This is unacceptable to AARP and should be for all Bay Staters. Massachusetts can and should do better.”
The phone rang non-stop at the Revere senior center on Wednesday as elderly residents called to sign up for the COVID vaccine.
“You have to be a calming voice and make people feel comfortable and give them the information they need,” said Ed Deveau, a part-time employee who answered calls.
Deb Peczka DiGiulio, the interim director of elderly affairs, said residents are looking for answers.
‘They are afraid. They want this vaccination, they want a solution and we have to get them through this process, ”she said.
At the moment, Revere does not have a vaccine available for phase 2. They will receive about 400 doses next week and should receive about the same amount every week.
Venerable Mayor Brian Arrigo said he is asking residents to call 311 so that the city can help “guide residents through the process.”
The city said it has even launched a campaign to call thousands of residents to make sure they get the help they need to register when the vaccine becomes available. They will also help them book at pharmacies and supermarkets.
“We send teams into the neighborhoods through our mobile city hall and ambassador program to help people go through that process,” Arrigo said.