NAHANT — Nahant officials have helped secure vaccination appointments for at least 90 residents since the town released its COVID-19 vaccine helpline late last month, Town Administrator Antonio Barletta said.
Meant to reduce reported confusion surrounding vaccination sign-ups for Nahant’s elderly population, the program gives residents the option to call any of four specially-designated phone numbers — staffed by town employees and volunteers — to be taken on a step-by-step walkthrough of the process.
“It’s gone really well,” Barletta said. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback.”
Launched in the wake of Gov. Charlie Baker’s announcement that Phase 2 of the state’s vaccination rollout program — which includes those aged 75 and older — would begin February 1, Barletta said the program has since morphed into more than simply signing people up for appointments.
“It’s not just getting people appointments, but also answering general questions about the vaccine,” he said. “We’re still receiving calls almost daily from people (asking) about when the next phase will open up, or asking about the new companion system. Things of that nature.”
For now, he said the town plans to keep the phone numbers up and running to offer assistance to all residents who need it, regardless of age.
“We’re just trying to help (residents) get through the frustrating part,” Barletta told The Item last month. “We realize that, because there’s a limited number of vaccines available, it’s going to take time.
“Many times we’re not going to be able to schedule an appointment, but if we can help navigate and at least try, or call them back once an appointment is available, we’ve done our part in being a resource.”
For help setting up an appointment or to ask additional questions, residents can call the Council on Aging at 781-581-7557, or the Town Hall at 781-771-5632, 781-771-6230, or 781-771-8222.
Barletta said his main concern now is making sure residents are aware of the resources available to them.
“(Residents should) spread the word,” he said. “If they know anybody who’s asking about getting a vaccine or wanting to know if they’re eligible, tell them to go on to the Nahant website and call one of the four numbers there because there’s a call center with all that information.”
