| GLOUCESTER — Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and Public Health Director Karin Carroll are pleased to share that the Baker-Polito Administration has created a 211 hotline for residents 75-years-old and older to call for assistance making vaccination appointments. |
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Residents 75-years-old and older became eligible for the vaccination on Monday through the state’s vaccination distribution plan. However, those without internet access have struggled to make appointments through the state’s online system. |
| The 211 line is only available for residents 75-years-old and older without internet access, and will take calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Translators are also available to help through the 211 line. Callers will be able to speak with a live representative who will help them make an appointment. |
| Residents should note, however, that if there are no appointments available the caller will have the opportunity to put their name on a waitlist and be called back once an appointment at a nearby mass vaccination site is available. Appointments available through the 211 line are the same as those listed on the state’s website online, and calling the 211 line will not give individuals access to additional appointments. Appointments on the call-back waitlist will be made on a first come, first served basis. |
| “We’re thankful to see this new resource has been made available for residents who don’t have internet access and will continue to share any updates with our residents about vaccination opportunities and resources,†Mayor Romeo Theken said. “As always, we are fully committed to helping our residents access the vaccine as they become eligible. This is an unprecedented moment in history, but together we will make it through this difficult time, like we always have here in Gloucester.†|
| Residents 75-years-old and older with internet access should continue seeking an appointment online through the state’s website by clicking here. The nearest mass vaccination site is at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Danvers. Residents eligible for the vaccine are also advised to contact their local pharmacy and primary care provider to learn about any other potential opportunities available for vaccination. For additional information on local and regional vaccination sites, click here. |
| Additionally, the City of Gloucester will continue to share any and all updates regarding local and regional vaccination opportunities at the City of Gloucester’s website here, the Health Department’s Facebook Page @GloucesterMAHealthDepartment here, Mayor Romeo Theken’s Facebook Page @MayorSefatia here and by robocall. |
| The next group to become eligible for the vaccination will be individuals 65-years-old and older, those with two or more medical conditions that put them at a high risk for severe illness should they contract the disease, and residents and staff of low income and affordable senior housing.The date for when these individuals will become eligible has not yet been announced by the state. The 211 hotline will also be available to this group of people once they become eligible. |
| The vaccination is not expected to be available to the general public until April, through the state’s vaccination distribution plan. To view the plan, click here. |
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