More vaccine is becoming available in more places, but Indiana is sticking with its age-based approach to eligibility.
During Wednesday’s COVID-19 press conference, Governor Eric Holcomb said the federal government hopes to increase Indiana’s weekly vaccine allotment by 16 percent or almost 13,000 doses. Meijer, Kroger, and Walmart have recently announced that they’ll offer the COVID-19 vaccine at some of their stores, according to State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box.
“Meijer and Kroger will be using their own existing appointment systems,” Box explained. “Walmart will be using the state system. What this means is that the 211 call center can only help you make appointments at sites using the state’s signup system, such as hospitals, local health departments, et cetera. 211 will not be able to make appointments for you at Meijer or Kroger.”
Health officials say those sites will be listed at ourshot.in.gov.
Indiana Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver said the additional doses also mean that about 4,500 Hoosiers signed up to get the vaccine after March 1 may be able to move their appointments up. “Our partners at 211 will be reaching out to those people via email and phone calls to help them schedule an earlier appointment and cancel their later appointment,” Weaver said.
For now, vaccine eligibility remains limited to those ages 70 and older, health care workers, long-term care facility residents, and first responders. Dr. Box publicly admonished local health departments that appear to be jumping the gun. “This creates confusion across the state and puts those who are at greatest risk at being hospitalized or dying from this disease in a position where they might not be able to get the vaccine that they are eligible for,” she said. “We are working to expand as quickly as possible but we need everyone in this state to follow the same order of prioritization that we have laid out.”
Dr. Weaver hopes the state will be able to expand eligibility to anyone age 65 and older within the next week. No matter where the COVID-19 vaccine is administered, it will be free of charge to the patient, but insurance information will be requested if it’s available. Appointments are required.
