BROOKLINE — Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett wish to remind residents that the Baker-Polito Administration has created a 211 hotline for residents 75 and older to assist with making COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
Residents 75 and older became eligible for the vaccination on Monday, Feb. 1 through the state’s vaccination distribution plan. However, those without internet access and others have struggled to make appointments through the state’s online system.
The new 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 75 and older 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.
Callers will be able to speak with a representative who will help them find a nearby vaccination location and make an appointment. The nearest mass vaccination sites are at Fenway Park and at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. Translators will be available to help.
If no appointments are available, the caller may put their name on a waitlist and be called back once an appointment at a nearby mass vaccination site is available. Appointments on the call-back waitlist will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We’re aware that many residents 75 and older have struggled with the online appointment scheduling system, and had difficulty finding available appointments,” Dr. Jett said. “We thank our residents for their patience and cooperation. We will continue to provide updates as vaccinations become more accessible to additional groups of people in the coming weeks and months.”
Residents 75 and older with internet access should continue seeking an appointment online through the state’s website by clicking here. Residents eligible for the vaccine are also advised to contact their local pharmacy and primary care provider to learn about other potential opportunities available for vaccination.
Learn More About Vaccines
The Baker/Polito Administration on Friday announced the “Trust the Facts, Get the Vax” campaign to educate the public about the need for vaccinations, the safety of the vaccines and the science behind them. Videos with leading doctors and scientists will be available in 10 languages here.
Vaccinations are not expected to be available to the general public until April through the state’s distribution plan. To view the plan, click here. Once the vaccine is available for distribution by the Town, staff at the Call Center will be available to assist residents with the registration process.
Resources for Brookline Residents
The Department of Public Health is committed to supporting Brookline residents as they navigate the vaccination process. Call Center staff are equipped to help residents access vaccines when they are eligible under the state guidelines.
Brookline residents interested in information regarding potential vaccination in town can fill out the form here.
Residents who have questions about the vaccine, including those who are in need of help scheduling an appointment, are encouraged to use the Town’s COVID-19 call center. The call center will be open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. The number for the call center is 617-879-5636. Those who call after hours may leave a voicemail and their messages will be returned when the call center is open. Questions may also be submitted via email to vaccine@brooklinema.gov.
Additionally, the Town of Brookline has made answers to frequently asked questions available on its COVID-19 portal, which can be accessed directly by visiting BrooklineCOVID19.com/vaccineFAQ. The town will share Brookline-specific information on BrooklineCOVID19.com as it becomes available.