Massachusetts coronavirus vaccine scheduling issues: Lawmakers call on Baker to create phone, centralized online systems

State lawmakers are calling on Gov. Charlie Baker to centralize the state’s online vaccine registration system and create a phone system to help seniors book appointments.

“It has been an extremely frustrating day for people trying to make online appointments,” state Sen. Anne Gobi, D-Spencer, said in an email, adding it’s also “causing a great amount of concern for those who do not have computer access.”

Gobi sent a letter to Baker urging him to create a user-friendly 1-800 number as the state moves into Phase 2 vaccinations of those ages 75 and older.

“The system in use, while made to be expedient and accessible, has created barriers for our aging population,” Gobi wrote, adding that the third-party websites through which people book appointments can open seniors up to scams.

She also advocated for a centralized system like New Hampshire’s to streamline the online registration process.

Baker said in a press conference the state is working to “create additional resources” to help people book appointments, but that demand is outstripping supply.

Several lawmakers joined Gobi’s calls. State Rep. Maria Robinson, D-Framingham, tweeted, “A lot of people over 75+ cannot use this interface. … We need phone access for appointments.”

State Sen. Rebecca Rausch, D-Needham, signed onto Gobi’s letter but voiced concern that “multiple phone-based systems have failed during this pandemic due to insufficient implementation, staffing and management, including unemployment.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3a9XvVZ