We wereat least in theoryone step closer to normal.
That leaves the option of attempting to book online.
You have to be computer-savvy and be able to take time to work to get an appointment, saysDr.
That means that some people who need to be protected against COVID-19 arent able to get the vaccine.
In most cases, it involves some prep work before you even get started.
If youre younger, and making an appointment for yourself, its all about paying attention.
Then, pay attention!
Set a Google News alert for vaccine news in your area.
Thisresource, from the Wall Street Journal, provides instructions for each state.
That would certainly make sense, but its not necessarily true.
Dont assume that one statewide website is your only optionits probably not.
Open a Google doc for all your prep work, and paste all the potential booking links there.
(Other states wont allow you to go near any forms until you officially qualify.)
Also, keep track of all your login information for each site.
you might always delete it if you dont end up getting vaccinated there, or after receiving both doses.
The key in all of this is to give yourself as many options as possible.
Sometimes, news stories or press releases from the health department will indicate a time that online booking starts.
Other times, they dont.
No problems at all.
Dont even give it that optionget that part over with the day before.
Also double-check you have a stable internet connection.
Just be sure to coordinate with each other in case someone does manage to book something.
(Ideally, itll be some calming smooth jazz.)
Keep tabs on your tabs and refresh as needed.
Look to the future
Some places only post their vaccine appointment slots a few days in advance.
Others go up months in advance.
Jump right to March 4th (or any random date when appointments are available) and go from there.
In California,
VaccinateCA
checks pharmacies and hospitals for information about open appointments.
Vaccinate NJ
also uses volunteers to have a go at help state residents find vaccine opportunities.
The
MA Covid Vaccine Appointments site
offers lists of and links to sites with available appointments.
Two options areDistill.ioandVisualping, each of which has its own features and fee structuresincluding limited free options.
This is where the search function and Latest section of your Twitter feed will come in handy.
But when you’ve got a confirmed appointment, stop.
Youre done.Dont keep trying and book additional appointmentsthrough through health departments, hospital systems, or pharmacies.
Yes, you may mean well.
That link is not public and is not meant to be shared.
On the flip side, be cautious about any links other people send you.
Yes, this rollout has been a shitshow, but just, wait your turn.
Dont take an appointment away from someone in a higher-risk group.
