Significant Interest in COVID-19 Vaccine Slowing Online and Phone Registrations

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR

STATEWIDE--The Indiana Department of Health says a high interest in coronavirus vaccinations is causing slowdowns to the state's vaccine registration site and their 211 system.

Both of them are working, but it may take you some time to register.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box said she anticipated this possibly happening and the department has a system to address it as quickly as possible.

Starting today, Hoosiers age 80 and older became eligible to register to get vaccinated.

They can register by going to ourshot.in.gov or by calling 211.

“We are gratified by the high interest in vaccine registration for our most vulnerable Hoosiers and encourage everyone to be patient,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “We anticipated these scenarios on the first day and have a system in place to address them as quickly as possible.”

Individuals age 80 and older account for less than 4 percent of the state’s population but represent more than 19 percent of the hospitalizations and more than half of the COVID-19 deaths in the state, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

Individuals who are having difficulty registering online can also call one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging for help with registration. A caregiver or loved one also may make an appointment on behalf of an eligible senior.

At least one vaccine clinic will be located in each Indiana county. Vaccines are free, but insurance may be charged an administrative fee.

Appointments for the second dose will be made at the clinic when the first dose is administered.

Additional groups, such as those based on underlying health conditions, will be added as vaccine becomes available. Updates will be posted at https://ourshot.in.gov.