First, take a deep breath. 🧘🏽‍♀️

Next, have a positive, yet realistic attitude. Expect that things won’t work. Expect it will take time to get an appointment. Take a breath and phone a friend when you're frustrated.

I’m so sorry to have to say that as we’re talking about a lifesaving vaccine, but no two ways around it right now. Likely, if something isn’t working -- it’s likely NOT because of something you're doing! Most of the sites are not that intuitive, even for the most digitally-native. Add millions of people searching for the same thing at the same time, and the sites are bound to crash.

Check out Washington Post's great article with some general tips. Or this WSJ article for more in-depth tips. And consider signing up for #DrB, the national COVID-19 vaccine standby list, and others on this WebMD article from 2/17.

The very basics

States are currently vaccinating with two different mRNA vaccines that require two shots. Read more about the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine on the CDC website. Also check the CDC’s FAQs for answers to your questions. Speak with your doctor before getting vaccinated. Also, let’s be real for a second: the US has a troubling record when it comes to exploitative medical practices for communities of color. Hesitancy makes sense and still, there are many good reasons to get vaccinated and trust this vaccine, but take it from Dr. Keisha Ray, PhD.

Many states are using a mix of public and private vaccination hubs and schedulers. West Virginia is leading the nation by using a good old fashioned person-to-person network. Some have phone numbers for you to call. As mentioned before, if you really need help, call your local health department, ask your neighbors & family, speak with your doctor or pharmacy, and call any social services/community centers/religious organizations.

Information you'll need to have on hand

📑 If you're signing up for yourself, or helping someone, you'll need some or all of the following so it helps to keep this in a note on your device or printed.

• Eligibility information (over 65, transit worker, healthcare worker, etc.)
• Name
• Birthday
• Demographic info (gender, race, ethnicity)
• Address
• Insurance/Medicare/Medicaid information -- provider, member #, group #
• If relevant in your state, COVID-19 authorization code
• Primary care doctor’s contact info (needed for Walmart)
• Some generic health screener info (Walmart is more intense, see Florida Walmart info)
  • Had a vaccination in the last 2 weeks
  • Currently sick with COVID, tested positive for COVID-19 or are currently being monitored for COVID-19
  • Currently sick (e.g., experienced any of the following symptoms in the last 24 hours: fever greater than 100.4°, sore throat, cough, chills, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or recent loss of taste or smell?)
  • Currently breastfeeding or pregnant
  • Chronic health condition such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disease, chronic lung disease, obesity, sickle cell disease, diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic health condition?
  • Toggle for very detailed info from Walmart

Stay informed locally

📬 Sign up for Nextdoor or Patch for your neighborhood and find any discussions or groups related to the COVID-19 vaccination.