January 14, 2021 For Retirees: Guidance on Scheduling Your COVID Vaccine Appointment Source: NYSUT Program Services Share This Article... Who is Eligible for the Covid Vaccine? This week, New York State launched phase 1b of its Covid vaccination plan. The federal government has said people 65 and older and the immunocompromised should be eligible to be vaccinated; New York State is following that guidance. To determine if you are eligible for the Covid vaccine, visit: am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov Upon clicking the link, you will see the message below: "If you are eligible, we will show how you can schedule an appointment to get the vaccine. AN APPOINTMENT IS REQUIRED. IF YOU VISIT A PROVIDER WITHOUT AN APPOINTMENT, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A VACCINE. To find out if you may be eligible, click Get Started below." If the website deems that you are not eligible, you will not be able to access the scheduler or vaccination sites/telephone numbers. You MUST have an appointment to receive a vaccine; no walk-ins. Scheduling Your Appointment When you complete the eligibility screening, a list of vaccination sites in your region will appear on the screen. You will choose which vaccination site in your region is the best option for you. When you select the vaccination site, a phone number will appear on the screen. Write down the number and double-check that all the digits have been correctly copied before exiting the website. CALL, CALL, CALL & KEEP CALLING UNTIL YOU GET THROUGH o The call volume is exceptionally high for vaccines —Be PERSISTENT. Didn't get through the first 50 times? KEEP CALLING. DON'T GIVE UP! Make Note: the waiting time to get an appointment is most often 12-14 weeks. Getting your vaccination will be worth the effort… but it will be some effort. Questions: Call NYS Covid-19 Vaccination Hotline 1-833-697-4829