The state today widened the group of those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to all Hoosiers 70 and older.
Seniors or their caregivers may use the state’s online registration portal at ourshot.in.gov or call 211 for an appointment.
Officials at Johnson County’s vaccination site, Johnson Memorial Hospital, which is jointly run by JMH and the county health department, are asking seniors to be patient and register first. The vaccine is available by appointment only and seniors should register through the proper channels, said Betsy Swearingen, health department director.
Walk-in appointments may be available later, but the shot is availably by appointment only for the time being, Swearingen said.
To register, seniors or a caregiver will be asked to provide a birthdate, and will be prompted to show identification at the vaccination appointment to prove eligibility.
Likewise, health care workers and first responders will be asked to provide proof of their employment at the time of vaccination, officials said.
For seniors or caregivers having difficulty registering online or getting through to 211, the state health department suggests calling one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging for help. For the Area 8 agency that includes Johnson County, call 317-254-5465 or 800-432-2422.
Those eligible for the vaccine in northern Johnson County may be directed to get a vaccine at Community Hospital South or Franciscan Health Indianapolis, as both southside hospitals are also vaccination sites.
For those getting vaccinated at Johnson Memorial, officials suggest parking in Blue Lot H, off West Jefferson Street, and ask patients to enter through the old emergency department entrance, Building 1125 W.
Vaccines at Johnson Memorial are available Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.
No matter where the vaccination is given, appointments for the second dose will be made at the clinic when the first dose is administered.
Vaccines are free, but insurance may be charged an administrative fee.
