District residents 65 years and older now have the opportunity to schedule an appointment for coronavirus vaccination through an online portal.
Those wishing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 can visit vaccinate.dc.gov to make an appointment, or call the District’s coronavirus call center at 855-363-0333 (or 311) Monday through Friday from 8 am to 7pm and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm.
The announcement came at a press conference held by Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday.
“I know many of our seniors are eager to get this vaccine. It has been a long ten months – for many seniors it has been very isolating and frightening, and people want to work together to get our community past this,” Bowser said.
“On Monday, I encourage DC seniors to book their appointments. If you are the caregiver for or have a family member or neighbor who is 65 or older, reach out to them and let them know a safe and effective vaccine is available and make sure they know how to get an appointment,” the mayor added.
DC Health Director Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt also called on residents to receive the shot as soon as they become eligible. “It’s to your advantage to get your appointment as soon as your phase is announced,” she said.
Meet DC’s #SeniorSocialInfluencers who stepped to get the #COVID19 vaccine: @AnitaBondsDC @prez1789 @SharonPrattDC @EricHolder @ChmnMendelson @iamcorabarry @DCCarolSchwartz
DC residents age 65+ can make a vaccine appointment: https://t.co/0RAwCMXr0S or calling 855-363-0333 pic.twitter.com/M2VBt7b9vf
— Muriel Bowser (@MurielBowser) January 11, 2021
Upon scheduling an appointment, seniors will receive a confirmation code, which should be brought to the appointment, along with verification of eligibility (e.g. a photo ID). For those who do not speak English, the call center will offer translation services.
The District is providing the COVID-19 vaccine for free. Residents are only required to give their health insurance information. “Those who do not have health insurance will still receive the vaccine at no cost,” according to a release from the Mayor’s Office.
DC is in Phase 1A of vaccinations, which means health care employees are eligible for the COVID-19 shot. Approximately 40,000 doses of the vaccine have been shipped to DC so far, with around 17,000 administered.
