State House Roundup: The lines are now open
Wicked Local
Eligibility verification? Check. Search by zip code? You bet. 24-7 call center? Well, it ll be open for vaccine appointment scheduling, but only on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gov. Charlie Baker made last week about turning around the state s maligned COVID-19 vaccination program, taking incremental steps to upgrade features on the website, set up a call center and expand outreach to populations still on the fence over whether to get the shot(s).
The program, however, is nowhere near the seamless operation the public and legislators are demanding. Baker tried to assure people that he understood this. But did people listen?
Modified: 1/31/2021 4:45:02 PM
NORTHAMPTON Calling the state’s system for booking vaccination appointments “inexcusable,” Sen. Eric Lesser filed emergency legislation Thursday that directs the state Department of Public Health to immediately establish an accessible, one-stop online sign-up for COVID-19 vaccinations for both desktop computers and mobile devices.
The bill is co-sponsored by state Sens. Anne M. Gobi, D-Spencer, and Cindy Friedman, D-Arlington.
The legislation also requires state health officials to immediately establish a phone hotline in multiple languages, to be staffed 24/7, and directs DPH to notify residents of these options for vaccination registration using a text-based notification system like “AlertsMA.”
“The Phase 2 vaccine rollout is creating mass confusion and anxiety for our eligible senior population,” Lesser, D-Longmeadow, said in a statement announcing the legislation. “The system is cumbersome, contradictory, and asks residents o
NORTHAMPTON – Calling the state’s system for booking vaccination appointments “inexcusable,” Sen. Eric Lesser on Thursday filed emergency legislation that directs the state Department of Public Health to immediately establish an accessible, one-stop.