COVID Vaccinations 75+
Update 1/28/2021

Good morning.  Well, we all made it through scheduling day one for over 75 and while we spoke with almost 200 people, we didn't have the best success with connecting people with appointments.  Today is a new day, we are optimistic.  We received a number of calls and requests for tools to help people register independently so they can give things a shot.  Please keep in mind that the information is constantly shifting and new appointments are and will open, it will just take time.  If you are calling to request assistance from our office, please note that while we endeavor to answer every call, we have four people in the office answering phones, so if your call is not answered on  your first try, please hang up after about 10 rings and give us a try again a little later. You can also email us at coa@wellesleyma.gov.
 

Which site can I use to find an appointment?

There are two different sites that you can use: the first is the statewide map which can be found here; the second is the state’s central scheduling tool Prep Mod, found here.  The map includes every place in the state that offers vaccines.  It is extremely cumbersome and includes places that are not currently on Phase II, places that are only for residents of particular Towns, and a myriad of independent locations such as pharmacies and healthcare facilities offering the vaccine.  Prep Mod is a much easier to use tool, but it only shows local run clinics. 

With the map, even when you pull up the location you still have to go to a separate website and navigate to find out if there are any openings.  The state has a word document that compiles all locations with the details of who they are serving, their website, and their registration processes here, in the center of the page under downloadable list.

Who has available appointments this morning?

Early morning research is showing that there are currently appointments available on the Prep Mod site for Gillette, Roxbury Track Stadium, Fenway and locations in the Berkshires (These all can be seen on the PrepMod site).  The CVS, Wegman's, and other healthcare sites are not currently showing any appointments as of 7:30 am.

What are we at using for tools?

At the Wellesley COA, we have a half dozen or so volunteers who are working on the best way to help our seniors land appointments.  While we are still looking like everyone else to find openings, we have learned a few things during the first day.

Firstly, we have given up on the map, instead we spend time on PrepMod and a separate spreadsheet that we are working keep updated daily with the locations nearby, that our residents would most likely be willing to travel to, along with any notes for those destinations.  Secondly, we are trying to keep track of websites that are easier to navigate.  Although we have yet to be successful, we are using the following:

Boston: South Boston Cs2ommunity Health Center

Hannaford
Middleborough
Uxbridge
Waltham

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates-Atrius Health
Needham

Holtzman Medical Group at Mt. Ida Campus (UMass Amherst)
Newton

Mass Vaccination Site: Gillette Stadium
Foxborough

Pharmacy - CVS
Newton
Revere
Wayland

Pharmacy - Walgreens
Saugus
**Requires online account

Pharmacy - Wegmans
Chestnut Hill
Northborough
Westwood

State Wide - Prep Mod

Southbridge Community Center/Harrington Hospital

Umass Campus
Marlborough

Umass Campus
Worcester

Webster: InterMed Associates at Webster Medical Center

When are new appointments being posted/opened?

It is our understanding that appointments are being added regularly and get posted at different days and times depending on the host site, municipality/hospital/mass site/pharmacy.  We do not have an understanding of the trends as of yet.  It is our current understanding that many locations will only post a weeks' appointments at any time as they hold off on posting until they receive confirmation from the state that they will in fact receive vaccinations and the number they can expect. That may explain why we are only seeing a few days in February at this time.

What problems have we seen, or do we anticipate running into?

Some locations, such as Walgreens require one to have an online account to register.  Some locations require an email address before proceeding.  No two of these links are the same or require the “same” information which can be very challenging and confusing. 

Are there vaccinations available in Wellesley?

As of today, there are not currently any locations in Wellesley where someone over the age of 75 can get a vaccine.  The Board of Health is working to collaborate with the State to be able to open a clinic in Town over the next few weeks.

I am a Veteran, is there another way to get a vaccine appointment?

We were originally sending folks the direction of Nancy, our Veteran's Service agent.  We have since been advised that while Nancy is not the most direct contact for these appointments.  The VA is reaching out directly to all veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare System. If you meet specific VA criteria, you may be eligible to receive the vaccine from the VA.  The West Suburban Veterans' Service office does not make appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine. To enroll in the VA Healthcare System, or ask questions, please call 877-222-VETS (8387). 

Is there a cost and do I have to have insurance? 

There is no cost for a vaccination.  If you do not have insurance, when you sign up for an appointment online, there should be a box/section to select that says no insurance.

How to stay informed?

We will continue to send out information as it becomes available.  We will continue to work with our volunteers to reach out to any seniors who have asked for assistance.  We will stay positive and keep working to navigate the system to get everyone involved. 

Would you like a volunteer to reach out?

Please keep in mind that it may be a several days before you hear from a volunteer, but if you would like to be added to the list for assistance, please email use at coa@wellesleyma.gov or call us at (781) 235-3961.