Want to sign up for a vaccine? Ask the library for help. (Yes, really!)
Many people are eligible for Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, happening now. As a reminder, you’re eligible for Phase 1b if you’re:
• A frontline essential worker
• Age 65+
• Age 16-64 with an underlying medical condition, or
• Living in a correctional facility, homeless shelter or migrant labor camp
Signing up for a vaccine online is a really fast and convenient way for many people to register, but not for everyone. Some people don’t have Internet, computers, tablets or smartphones. For seniors especially, using technology can be a challenge – especially for anyone with deteriorating manual dexterity or with limited opportunities to practice.
Libraries are the perfect place to find help. First, we aren’t swamped with as many calls as VDH is, and you’ll always talk to a real person who loves to help. Secondly, we provide the technology that allows people to do the necessary tasks of life and access information. Yes, our buildings are closed, but you can use one of our laptops curbside if you don’t have a device of your own. Just call during our curbside hours and inquire about availability. If you have your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, you can connect to our free 24/7 WiFi in any library parking lot.
Finally, our staff acts as public educators, helping you find the right information and use the tools (like technology) to access it. We help you navigate an ocean of information to find the right website or pointing you to the exact form you need to fill out based on your personal situation. What’s more, we’re happy to help you learn how to use the tools and technology so you can be more confident on your own in the future. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how patient library staff is with beginners; we love helping people build knowledge and skills, that’s why the library exists in the first place!
For those of you who are ready to roll but aren’t sure where the sign-up form is, go to this website to find the vaccine link for the Roanoke area: vdh.virginia.gov/roanoke/covid-vaccine.
If you’re on the fence, concerned about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, then talk to us. As information professionals, it’s our job to hunt down the most reliable and accurate information. We recommend checking the excellent FAQs section on the VA Department of Health website: vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine and vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-faq/vaccination. They do a great job of answering common questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, explaining complicated information in simple language.
The VDH website is also a good way to keep up with the vaccine rollout as it goes through the phases in the coming months. We all want a return to normalcy, and distributing vaccinations in a timely manner should get us there faster. Again, if you need some help finding information about or signing up for the vaccine, ask the library!
Botetourt County Public Libraries
