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Frustrated by the Commonwealth’s complicated online process to find and sign-up for COVID-19 vaccinations, state Sen. Ed Kennedy has co-sponsored legislation filed by state Sen. Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) that aims to make the process easier and accessible to all.
The bill, SD300, calls for the establishment of a centralized one-stop portal on the Commonwealth website to easily allow people to determine their eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as to book an appointment. This portal will be accessible in multiple languages.
Additionally, the legislation requires the Department of Public Health to set up a centralized phone number for residents to call to ask questions, determine eligibility for a vaccine, and schedule an appointment. This hotline will be staffed 24/7 and available in multiple languages.
Kennedy also joined dozens of his colleagues in the Senate and the House who signed onto a letter to Gov. Charlie Baker, penned by state Sen. Ann Gobi (D-Spencer), directly requesting his administration establish a more accessible registration portal as well as a 1-800 number.
“This pandemic has been stressful for everyone and people are rightfully anxious to receive a vaccination,” said Kennedy. “The current system set up by the Commonwealth is difficult to navigate and is not accessible to those who do not have computers or Internet access and those
for whom English is not their primary language. We have the technology and the ability to make this much easier for everyone involved and I will advocate for the swift passage of Sen. Lesser’s legislation.”
