MAYNARD — Town Administrator Greg Johnson and Chief Michael Noble are pleased to announce the Maynard Police Department will be offering rides to vaccination appointments for residents 75-years-old and older on a limited basis until vaccination clinics are available in town.
Residents 75-years-old and older became eligible for the vaccination on Monday, Feb. 1 through the state’s vaccination distribution plan. In order to help eligible residents without reliable transportation get to their appointments, the Maynard Police Department will be offering rides whenever possible to area vaccination sites.
“After speaking with our Council on Aging, we found that many senior citizens have faced challenges getting to their appointments because of a lack of transportation,” Chief Noble said. “We are proud to be able to offer this service to help protect one of the most vulnerable groups in our community. Though we may not be able to accommodate every appointment request, we want to do what we can to help.”
Those who wish to request a ride may call Maynard Police Dispatch at 978-897-1011 or email Chief Noble at [email protected], and are asked to give at least two days notice.
Masks will be worn at all times during the ride to and from the appointment, and cars may also have barriers to help protect residents. Vehicles will be disinfected before and after each ride. Members of the same household with appointments that are near the same time at the same location will be able to ride together. Officers will wait for residents at the appointment location in order to bring them home afterwards.
At this time, this service is only available for those age 75-years-old and older, and residents will need to set up their appointment before requesting a ride. The Maynard Police Department is unable to help residents set up appointments. Those with questions about the service may contact the department directly.
Making an Appointment
Currently, there are no vaccination clinics scheduled in Maynard. If the Town of Maynard is given vaccines in the future to distribute and a clinic is planned, however, this will be announced promptly. Residents are advised not to wait for the town to schedule a clinic, and to seek out alternatives.
A new statewide 211 line can be accessed by dialing 2–1–1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” The hotline is only available for residents 75-years-old and older without internet access or who otherwise cannot use the appointment site, and will take calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents should note that if there are no appointments available the caller will have an opportunity to put their name on a waitlist and be called back once an appointment at a nearby mass vaccination site is available. Appointments on the call-back waitlist will be made on a first come, first served basis.
Residents 75-years-old and older with internet access should continue seeking an appointment online through the state’s website by clicking here. Residents eligible for the vaccine are also advised to contact their local pharmacy and primary care provider to learn about any other potential opportunities available for vaccination. For additional information on local and regional vaccination sites, click here.
Translators will be available to help through the 211 line. Callers will be able to speak with a live representative who will help them find a nearby vaccination location and make an appointment.
For additional information on local and regional vaccination sites, click here.
The vaccination is not expected to be available to the general public until April through the state’s vaccination distribution plan. To view the plan, click here.
###