Finding COVID-19 vaccine sites and appointments are creating many questions. The Health Department, Council on Aging, and Veterans' Services office are receiving a high volume of calls from residents 75 years or older.
Currently all vaccine scheduling must be done through State and regional sites. The State website is overloaded and we appreciate your patience as we all work through this process.
Please know - we will try to help all eligible Wellesley residents obtain a vaccine appointment as soon as possible. We encourage seniors to reach out to family members and friends to assist with scheduling.
Council on Aging volunteers are also available to answer questions. Call 781-235-3961 and provide your name and contact information. You will receive a call back from an identified COA volunteer. No COVID-19 vaccines are available from the Council on Aging.
The State has reduced the vaccine supply allocated to local boards of health. The Health Department will hold vaccine clinics but those dates are not yet scheduled and there is no advance registration list. Details on any community clinics will be announced to residents once they are available.
Check the State website frequently! Vaccination sites will continue to be added and appointment dates and times are updated regularly on a rolling basis. When you make your appointment, you will be scheduled for both your first and second shot. Please make note of BOTH dates.
Follow these steps to check availability and schedule appointments:
- Go to the Mass.gov map of vaccination locations:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1z197EsKQBJ1jkUL9YjnLSRN30qFRnfqd&ll=42.105358997712564%2C-70.86348435390707&z=10
- Use the left-side navigation to find a location near you; click on the colored star icon to view site eligibility and scheduling information. Different sites use different online scheduling tools.
You may also check clinic locations and availability at: https://www.maimmunizations.org/
The vaccine is also offered at some retail pharmacies:
CVS Health: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
Walgreens: https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19
Stop and Shop: https://stopandshop.com/pages/ss-pharmacy
The COVID-19 vaccine is free to everyone. You will need to show proof of insurance. If you do not have insurance, you can still be vaccinated but should note that when you register. You will also need to bring a driver’s license or other State issued ID.
You must complete the State Self Attestation form https://www.mass.gov/forms/covid-19-massachusetts-vaccination-attestation-form Be prepared to present this form at your appointment. You may fill it out online, or print it off and complete it before your appointment.
Following your appointment, you will be monitored for 15-30 minutes to make sure you do not have a reaction to the vaccine. Vaccination sites have waiting areas staffed by heath care workers where you will be monitored.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Veterans. The VA is reaching out directly to all veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare System. If you meet specific VA criteria, you may be eligible to receive the vaccine from the VA.
The West Suburban Veterans' Service office does not make appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine.
To enroll in the VA Healthcare System, or ask questions, please call 877-222-VETS (8387).
In the coming days, the State will be providing additional resources to help all eligible residents make COVID-19 vaccine appointments.