SAUGUS — The Saugus Health Department will offer opportunities for residents to receive the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine, Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree announced Friday.
In a statement provided by the Town Manager’s office, Crabtree said the town’s health department has received very limited doses of the vaccine and is making an effort to administer them to Saugus’ high-risk populations as soon as possible.
However, because the Health Department has not yet been provided access to the state’s online scheduling vendor software that the town was initially promised for residents, Crabtree said the town’s process will be to have residents call the Saugus Health Department to schedule an available vaccine appointment.
Residents will need proof of Saugus residency and other eligibility when an appointment is scheduled. The Health Department will take each person’s information and call him or her back with a date, time, and place for appointment.
“The health department is asking for everyone’s patience during this local process,” Crabtree told residents. “There are a very limited amount of vaccines available at the town level and you are encouraged to schedule through the state vaccine site.”
Saugus residents currently have several opportunities to receive the vaccine through limited town-operated clinics, some healthcare providers, some pharmacies, and the state-operated regional distribution sites.
The commonwealth is currently phasing into directing residents of Massachusetts to obtain their vaccinations through the state-operated vaccine sites. Therefore, Saugus Public Health Director John Fralick and the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) are encouraging residents to register for the COVID-19 vaccine now available for eligible populations through the state vaccine sites and website at https://www.maimmunizations.org/.
The town also asks that residents visit the website to search for an available appointment near them, or to dial 211 for assistance in making an appointment through the state.
“As details and guidance from the federal and state government has shifted, the Saugus Health Department has had to adapt to modify its plans,” Crabtree said.
To provide information needed by the Health Department to schedule an appointment, residents should contact the Health Department at (781) 231-4117.
