COVID-19 Vaccine Update From Mayor Bowser

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE FROM MAYOR BOWSER

Today, Mayor Bowser announced that DC residents who are 65 or older are now able to make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine through the vaccinate.dc.gov portal or by calling the District’s Coronavirus Call Center (1-855-363-0333). The vaccine is safe and effective, and getting vaccinated is the key to safely reuniting with our friends and families and getting our lives back. 

As expected, demand for the vaccine is very high, and by this afternoon, all available appointments had been filled. Currently, appointments are made available based on the District’s allotment of the vaccine.  

If you were unable to get an appointment today, I urge you to go to vaccinate.dc.gov and sign up to receive alerts from DC Health about the vaccine. You can choose to get alerts either by email or text message, and you will be notified when DC Health is making more appointments available. 

In the meantime, I want to make sure you received some information that Mayor Bowser shared earlier today about what to expect before, during, and after your vaccination appointment. 

Here is what you should know when making your appointment. Whether you make your appointment online or over the phone, it should only take about five minutes. 

Here is what you should know when going to your appointment. If you do not have a photo ID, you can find a list of other documents that can be used to prove residency HERE.

And, finally, here is what to expect after you receive the vaccine. Remember, this vaccine requires two doses. You will only use the portal and the call center to make an appointment for your first dose. You will make an appointment for your second dose when you go to get your first shot. Some people experience side effects after receiving the vaccine – this is normal and means the vaccine is working. If you experience side effects, they will likely go away within 1 to 2 days.   

If you have further questions, please reach out to the COVID Call Center at 855-363-0333 or email vaccinatedc@dc.gov.