This week, a new vaccine locator tool became available at VaccineFinder.org. More, users can directly schedule their vaccinations on it.
More, it helps locate and schedule appointments to receive the Pfizer or Moderna shots.
This story was originally published by NPR:
The scramble to secure a COVID-19 vaccine appointment is chaotic and fierce. There are not yet enough doses for everyone who’s eligible and wants to get vaccinated. As frustration rises, the federal government hasn’t offered much besides assurances that things will get better and appeals for calm.
Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital and Castlight Health, is launching a new tool that allows Americans to search for COVID-19 vaccine providers with stock of vaccine where they live.
The tool, which builds on the existing VaccineFinder.org platform, will capture inventory data from vaccine providers around the country.
In most states, the initial launch is limited to certain providers — those getting the vaccine directly from the federal government. In Alaska, Indiana, Iowa and Tennessee, the tool shows all the vaccine providers, including hospitals, clinics and public health vaccination sites.
Residents of those four states can look up their cities or ZIP codes and find an interactive map of all the places administering vaccines and see which ones have vaccine doses in stock.
VACCINES ARE KEY
COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease. More, adults in the United States can now get a free vaccine regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Moreover, they are safe and effective. Also, while some “breakthrough cases” do occur, vaccines substantially curb the symptoms.
Additionally, here are our key health messages on vaccines:
Vaccines Protect the Person Receiving it
Vaccines help to protect us from the virus.
Vaccine Protect Others, too
More, they protect others, also. And it is important to remember that some cannot receive it, including children. In fact, you can have it but show no symptoms.
Please get the shot and encourage others, too.
Previous Infection will not Protect you
If you previously had the virus, you still would need the shot. And here is why.
First, it is unclear how long immunity lasts. We wrote a number of articles documenting reinfection. And that is because there are new strains. More, viruses mutate over time. Thus, the strains currently being spread are different from the strains from last year.
So even if you had it, you can get it again.
Second, it protects others. Early evidence shows vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others. And remember, not everyone is eligible to receive it.
How to get Vaccinated
There are several options, and the shot is available in many stores and clinics. Here are some methods:
SCHEDULE BY PHONE
Call 800-232-0233 to schedule anywhere in the U.S.
SCHEDULE ONLINE
Visit Vaccine.gov to schedule anywhere in the U.S.
SEND A TEXT MESSAGE
Text message your zip code to 438829 to schedule anywhere in the U.S
Illustration by Natasha Remarchuk