Tips for Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
By March 29, every Ohioan age 16 and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, scheduling an appointment for a shot can be challenging. Here are some helpful tips to successfully find a vaccination appointment:
- Start with the state. Visit https://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov/location-select, for a complete list of all locations in your area that are offering shots. You can search by zip code to find many options.
- Widen your search. Search within as wide a radius from your home as possible. You may find it easier to make an appointment if you don’t mind driving a bit to get your vaccine.
- Sign up! Register for a vaccine in more than one place. You can’t always know which locations will have open appointments, so it’s better to sign up for several places to improve your chances.
- Network! Ask your family and friends who have had luck getting an appointment to share their secrets for success.
- Look for end-of-day shots. Hospitals and clinics that are offering vaccines often experience people who don’t show up for their appointments. Medical facilities don’t want to waste vaccine and often are looking for people who can come for a vaccine on short notice. If possible, see if you can sign up to be on these types of end-of-day call lists.
- Don’t be picky! Remember that all three vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – have proven to be safe and effective against COVID-19. Unless you have a medical reason to not receive one of the three, take the first vaccine you are offered. The best vaccine is the one you can get!
- Taking Time Off. Supervisors are asked to cooperate with their employees if there is a need to take working time off when getting vaccinated. If possible, try to modify work schedules to accommodate this. And, of course, employees can always take sick, vacation, or other earned leave time if necessary. As a general matter it is suggested that employees be allowed up to two hours of paid time (four hours total if getting two shots) before having to use any earned leave. For timekeeping purposes for hourly employees, the supervisor will enter job code “University Business” AND a note in Time Clock Plus of “COVID PTO”. Any questions about individual situations can be directed to hrweb@kent.edu.
- Be prepared! When signing up at online sites you may have a limited time to register or lose your spot. If you schedule through a hospital website, they may ask you for your MyChart patient account number or request that you set up an account before you can schedule an appointment. Although vaccines are paid for by the federal government, it’s always a good idea to have your medical and prescription card information readily available in the event this information is requested. By the time you go searching for this information, you could lose your appointment or the system may time out. If you need a card, visit:
Medical Mutual ID Cards
Self-Service Portal – www.MedMutual.com/Member
Medical Mutual customer service – (800) 382-5729
Caremark/CVS
Self-Service Portal – www.caremark.com
Caremark/CVS Customer Service – (888) 202-1654