Numerous Official Resources Are Available For Those In Need
BEDFORD — Chief Robert Bongiorno, Director of Public Health Heidi Porter and Director of the Council on Aging Alison Cservenschi would like to warn Bedford seniors to avoid connecting with strangers offering to serve as a “companion” in order to obtain the vaccinations alongside eligible seniors.
Under new state rules, those who are identified as companions of individuals age 75 and over are now permitted to accompany those seniors to appointments at state-run COVID-19 vaccination sites, and be vaccinated as well. The Town of Bedford has become aware of instances in which otherwise ineligible individuals are offering rides, help with making appointments, monetary compensation, etc. to seniors in order to get vaccinated.
Senior residents should not exchange money, credit card or other personal information to strangers in return for transportation or companionship.
“As a rule of thumb, we ask that any senior resident looking for transportation or a companion to reach out to family members first, then the Council on Aging,” Director Cservenschi said. “We discourage residents from accepting any companion or transportation offers from people they do not know as this may put them in a vulnerable position.”
Senior residents in need of transportation to vaccination appointments and other support regarding the vaccine are encouraged to call the Bedford Council on Aging at 781-275-6825. The Council on Aging will be available to provide limited rides within town and to neighboring towns.
Residents in need of additional support related to obtaining the vaccine, such as making an appointment or learning more about where they can be vaccinated, are urged to call either the visit the COVID-19 Vaccination page on the Health Department website at www.bedfordma.gov/health or call the Health Department at 781-275-6507.
“There are numerous state and local resources available to senior residents who may need assistance in regards to the COVID-19 vaccine,” Director Porter said. “At this time, we urge residents to use the state’s 211 hotline if they need assistance with appointment registration and to reach out to either the Bedford Board of Health or Council on Aging if they have any further questions or concerns.”
Seniors looking for assistance when registering for a vaccination appointment may also seek help from the state’s 211 hotline for those 75 and over by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” The hotline is only available for residents 75 and older without internet access or who otherwise cannot use the appointment website, and will take calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Residents 75 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 other potential opportunities available for vaccination.
Avoid Scams Related to COVID-19 and the Vaccine
Older residents are encouraged to be mindful of potential scams tied to the pandemic, including vaccines. There is no cost to patients to receive the vaccination, so residents should disregard any offers to provide the vaccine in exchange for a fee.
In general, you should never provide personal information to anyone who calls you unsolicited — including your name, date of birth, social security number, bank account numbers, driver’s license number, nor anything else that could be used to compromise your identity.
If anyone has any questions or feels that they have been victimized, they are encouraged to call the Bedford Police Department at 781-275-1212.
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