Seniors over 65 can ?? ??? ??now receive the COVID vaccine in many states, but navigating sites to actually sign up for a vaccination appointment can be challenging for the less tech savvy.
At least 10.6 million people in the United States have received one dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Both require a second dose three to four weeks after the initial dose. Per CDC guidelines, healthcare workers and nursing home residents are among the first recipients.
From there, vaccine distribution varies state to state, but CDC guidelines recommend vaccinating frontline essential workers like first responders, teachers, grocery store workers, and prison guards, as well as adults over the age of 75. The CDC then recommends vaccinating adults between 65 and 74 and anyone with preexisting conditions next, before finally distributing the vaccine to the general population.
Because vaccine distribution varies from state to state, staying updated on whocan get vaccinated, let alone how, can be confusing. It can be especially difficult for those who aren't as online or digitally adept, as nearly every state's vaccine registration process is online.
If there's someone in your life who may qualify for the vaccine soon but isn't sure how to get it, here's a guide to giving them a hand.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
If you're helping someone sign up for a vaccine appointment, knowing when and if they're eligible is a start.
Each state is distributing the vaccine differently, but they're generally aligned with the CDC's rollout guidelines. You can check where your state is in the distribution process through the CDC's site. Select your state on the drop down menu, and the CDC site will redirect you to your local health department's vaccine distribution plan.
WebMD has a list of states' vaccine information sites as well.
Some local health departments are implementing text-based alerts to inform residents whether they're eligible to receive the vaccine. Residents of San Francisco, for example, can sign up for notifications beginning Jan. 19, 2021. The state of Tennessee has a similar system for its residents. These tools can be immensely helpful for those who have cellphones but aren't as enmeshed in social media.
Check if your local health department implemented, or has plans to implement, a similar tool. You'll likely need to enter your date of birth, field of work, and any underlying health conditions that may qualify you for an earlier vaccine. You can also sign up on the behalf of someone else and receive notifications when they'reeligible to receive the vaccine.
With mounting demand for the vaccine and limited distribution, scammers are already trying to take advantage of peoples' desperation.
Soon after the United Kingdom began distributing vaccines earlier in January, residents began receiving texts claiming to be the National Health Service. The fraudulent text informed the recipient that they were "eligible to apple for the vaccine," and included a link to a site with the NHS logo, which prompted them to enter their bank information to "prove ownership of address."
Similar scam attempts have taken place in the United States as well. In Florida, a widely circulated Eventbrite link advertised vaccine appointments that were not sanctioned by the state's health department. The link has since been taken down, but the event "sold out" appointments between Jan. 14 and Jan. 25 before officials intervened.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Don't fall for scams like these, and don't let the boomers in your life fall for it, either. Unless you've intentionally already signed up for texts alerts regarding the vaccine, you likely won't receive unsolicited invitations to apply for it. Legitimate COVID vaccine centers will also never ask you for personal information like your address or bank account information. The personal information you mayhave to share will be whatever pertains to vaccine eligibility, like age, field of work, and possible underlying health conditions.
It's worth reminding your loved ones that they cannotpay to be vaccinated early, nor to "pre-register" for the vaccine.
The Federal Trade Commission published a helpful infographic to spread awareness about vaccine scams.
Remember, both the Pfizer and Modern vaccines require two doses, about three to four weeks apart. Luckily, the CDC developed an alert system to remind people to get their second dose.
Through VaxText, those who have already received their first dose can text ENROLL to 1-833-VaxText (1-833-829-8398), where they can opt to receive weekly reminders for their second dose in either English or Spanish. They'll be prompted to respond with the date they received the first dose and whether they received the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Depending on the vaccine they received, they'll be reminded to receive the second after 21 or 28 days.
The VaxText system will notask for personally identifiable information like address, social security number, or age. If you or a loved one receives unsolicited texts that do ask for that information, it's likely a scam.
With the vaccine rollout finally starting to pick up, we can hope to return to normal life in the near future. It might just take a crash course in digital literacy, first.
Topics Social Good COVID-19
Li Auto joins price war with generous EV discounts and benefits · TechNodeEast Buy to join Taobao Live in an effort to expand consumer base: report · TechNodeLenovo appoints former Goldman Sach director John Thornton as nonFacebook to crack down on spam and engagement farmingGoogle AI overviews will explain any saying you make upSlate truck revealed: See the $28K customizable electric truck for 2026Baidu and automaker Changan build computing center for intelligent driving · TechNodeFacebook to crack down on spam and engagement farmingKuaishou publicly launches its own large language model that takes on GPT3.5 · TechNodeSIA raises concerns over Huawei’s expanding chip facility networks in China · TechNode Jon Hatamiya Big Band Returns for June 16 Show Popular Boy Band to Headline Weekend Rising Japan MusicFest OAA to Host Info Session About Grand Homecoming in Okinawa ESPN, JACL Condemn Slur Directed at Mina Kimes Kishida Visits Ukraine, Meets with President Zelenskyy This Date in History: 1937 Randall Park to Deliver UCLA College Commencement Address Kitsu Mineshizu Remembered for Serving JA Community Through Minyo SBA Offers Assistance to Businesses Affected by Monterey Park Mass Shooting Speakers, Bus Transportation Details Announced for 54th Annual Manzanar Pilgrimage, April 29
0.1422s , 9861.390625 kb
Copyright © 2025 Powered by 【?? ??? ??】Enter to watch online.A guide to helping boomers sign up for the COVID vaccine,Global Perspective Monitoring