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

General Public Eligible April 19

IPSWICH — Town Manager Anthony Marino and Director of Public Health Colleen Fermon wish 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 22Residents 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 reregistration and booking an appointment. 

“Today marks a meaningful turning point in our fight against this pandemic– it is a great relief to finally have a date when we know everyone will be eligible by, and we encourage residents to take advantage of the state’s pre-registration system,” Director Fermon said. “However, we also encourage everyone to remain patient, as we’re still uncertain about how many doses will be available in the coming weeks and there may still be waiting periods before you can get your vaccine even once you become eligible.”

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 Double Tree Hotel in Danvers. 

Residents are advised that the system only accounts for appointments available at mass vaccination sites and that more vaccination sites can be found by clicking here. Residents may also 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.

Available appointments will be offered to residents based on their vaccine eligibility and the availability of appointments at mass vaccination sites nearby. At this time, this program is only for the state’s mass vaccination sites. More sites are expected to be added to the preregistration system in April.

For the latest COVID-19 updates for the Town of Ipswich, visit ipswichcovid19.com.

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