For Retirees: Guidance on Scheduling Your COVID Vaccine Appointment

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