Updated on January 27, 2021 at 11:31 pm
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Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday urged residents to be patient with the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Massachusetts amid growing frustration over the state s vaccination sign-up process.
Saying the process would remain difficult until a steadier stream of doses arrives from the federal government, Baker said eligible residents should be ready to visit the state website several times as they attempt to set up an appointment. We expect that by the start of Phase 2 there will be a large number of residents trying secure a limited number of appointments, Baker said during a press conference. If you can t secure an appointment right away, you need to be patient about that. We understand the difficulty that s attached to that, but keep checking the website.
Updated on January 27, 2021 at 6:56 pm
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All Massachusetts residents age 75 and older are now eligible to make an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Residents could start scheduling an appointment Wednesday for shots being administered starting Monday at one of more than 80 sites around the state, from mass vaccination sites like Gillette Stadium to local pharmacies and supermarkets.
State health officials urged patience, warning that it may take several weeks to get an appointment and that as more vaccine supply arrives, additional appointments will become available. Appointments are added on a rolling basis, so residents are encouraged to check the website regularly.
Updated on January 28, 2021 at 12:37 pm
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Lawmakers, experts and residents continued to criticize Massachusetts vaccination rollout, Thursday, calling on the Baker administration to fix what they call a cumbersome and confusing sign-up process.
On Thursday, state Sen. Eric Lesser filed legislation that would direct the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to immediately create a one-stop online sign-up for vaccinations accessible from desktop computer as well as mobile devices; as well as a phone hotline immediately be established in multiple languages.
“The Phase 2 vaccine rollout is creating mass confusion and anxiety for our eligible senior population, Lesser said. The system is cumbersome, contradictory, and asks residents over 75 to navigate a haze of web links, locations, and instructions, each with different criteria and scheduling systems.