How to book vaccination appointment as Indiana expands eligibility

ST.JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Booking an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be a process. Starting next Wednesday, March 31, eligibility in the state of Indiana will expand to those 16 years old and up, meaning more appointments will soon become available.

To book your appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine go to Ourshot.IN.GOV and click on the red banner book your appointment. It’ll take you to a questionnaire page asking what essential group you belong to. Once the state expands eligibility, Robin Vida, H.O.P.E Director at St. Joseph County Health Department said the page may not even be on the website, instead, it might just ask for the birthdate.

Once you start selecting your appointment, Vida suggests looking at appointment availability day by day, rather than clicking the blue ‘find my next appointment’ button.

“You might find something sooner by clicking day by day for availability, rather than asking the button to find you the next available time because sometimes it’ll just look for the biggest amount of time available so you might miss something,” Vida said.

Indiana residents age 16 and older will be able to start booking at 8 a.m. on March 31. Vida said they will not be able to book earlier, but stresses that only those who are currently eligible can book in any county in the state where there is availability.

Individuals may get frustrated with the process and try different tactics. People can call 2-1-1 or the Keller Park Branch Library at (574) 282- 4646 for assistance, but keep in mind there will be a long wait time. assistance—but keep in mind there will be long wait times.

“That first day, the system does put you into a queue where you’re waiting to get to the schedule to schedule your appointment. I think that’s going to be the biggest challenge,” Vida said.

If you need assistance in Spanish you can call the Western Library at (574) 282- 4639.

And if you already made an appointment, but would rather have an earlier appointment, keep checking OURSHOT.IN.GOV for availability. But, let the clinic know that you rescheduled.