Town of Acton Shares Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Dates

General Public Eligible April 19

ACTON — Acton’s Vaccine Working Group, comprised of Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Anita Arnum, Nursing Director Heather York, Health Director Sheryl Ball, Council on Aging Director Sharon Mercurio and Town Manager John Mangiaratti, wishes to update the community regarding the state’s announcement today of vaccination eligibility dates for all remaining groups.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced today that:

• Residents 60-years-old and older and certain workers become eligible for the vaccine on March 22
• Residents 55-years-old and older and residents with one or more, qualifying medical condition become eligible for the vaccine on April 5
• The general public, meaning everyone 16-years-old and older, becomes eligible for the vaccine on April 19

The state also reported today it has been informed by the federal government that the Commonwealth will be able to access an increased supply of vaccine doses in the near future. However, it may still take weeks for people to be notified through the state’s preregistration system that an appointment is available. See below for more information on preregistration and booking an appointment. 

Where and How to Book an Appointment:

Last week, the state launched a preregistration system for its mass vaccination sites, and through the system appointments are offered based on eligibility and available, nearby appointments. 

The closest mass vaccination site is at the Natick Mall.

Residents are advised that the system only accounts for appointments available at mass vaccination sites, and more sites are expected to be added to the preregistration system in April. More vaccination sites can be also be found by clicking here and residents are also encouraged to reach out to local pharmacies to identify other potential vaccination opportunities.

To preregister:

• Eligible residents will complete the online form at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine to request to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site nearby.
• After completing the form, residents will get a confirmation via their preferred method of contact (text, e-mail, phone) and receive a weekly update about their status. Residents may opt out of preregistration at any time if they secure an appointment elsewhere.
• When an appointment becomes available at a mass vaccination site, the resident will be notified and will have 24 hours to accept the appointment once it is offered. If an appointment is not accepted after 24 hours, the resident will go back into the queue to wait for another appointment.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule Resource 211 line remains available for those without internet access or who have difficulty using the internet for the preregistration process.

The 211 line can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” The hotline is only available for residents eligible for the vaccine without internet access or who otherwise cannot use the appointment site, and will take calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Translators will be available to help through the 211 line. Callers will be able to speak with a live representative who will help them find a nearby vaccination location and make an appointment. For more information about the 211 line, click here.

Vaccinations for Homebound Individuals

Acton’s Vaccine Task Force is working to identify homebound residents to ensure that they are able to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines are still very limited in Massachusetts, and there is no guarantee that the Town will be receiving more. However, if the Town able to obtain vaccine, officials want to be sure to vaccinate those that may find it difficult to obtain the vaccine by traditional methods.

Homebound individuals includes those that need the help of another person or medical equipment such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to leave their home, or their medical provider believes that their health or illness could get worse if they leave their home, and they typically do not leave their home. They may be those who have a permanent condition that prevents them from getting vaccinated, even if transportation were available. Examples of this include those who are bedbound, those who are extremely frail and weak, those with a chronic cognitive decline (dementia) and those who need one or two people to physically help them get out of the home.

If you or someone you know may qualify, regardless of age, please contact the Council on Aging at 978-929-6652, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at seniorcenter@actonma.gov. 

Alternatively, you may complete an online form here to provide basic information and the Town will reach out to obtain further information as needed.

###