How to get a vaccination appointment, step-by-step

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — If you’re eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine— you need to get in a virtual waiting room, by registering your name and making an appointment. But how do you do that and where do you start? Let’s answer those questions and go through it step by step.

There are two forms you need to fill out.
1. New York State Am I Eligible Form
2. New York State Vaccine Form

Filling out the New York State Am I Eligible Form

1. It starts by asking for personal information like your name, and date of birth
2. Followed by your contact information: your address, email and phone number
3. Then there’s a series of yes or no questions to see if you’re eligible to be vaccinated in Phase 1A or 1B
   1. If you check no to all of these questions and are under 65 then you’ll get this message, saying you’re not eligible

Taylor Epps

b. If you check yes— it may ask for specifics, like where you work or live that qualifies you
4. Next, click I consent
5. Then you’ll see a list of vaccination locations to choose from

Note that many aren't taking appointments right now, due to low vaccine supply, but there are nearly a dozen near Buffalo that are accepting appointments.

Taylor Epps

Each vaccine provider handles its own appointments. The state is currently only an eligibility resource, not an appointment making resource.

If you’re 65 and older, you’re most likely going to a pharmacy to get a vaccine. Those eligible through their employer will most likely go through your job to find a vaccinator.

Once you pick the one that works best for you and schedule an appointment, you wait for an appointment confirmation in your email and step one is complete.

Filling out the New York State Vaccine Form

1. Once you receive your appointment confirmation, it's time to fill out the state's vaccine form
2. You’ll notice that before you fill it out, it asks you to make sure you fit under one of three categories
   1. You’re 65 or older
   2. You’re an essential worker in healthcare, childcare, education, or public transit
   3. You're filling the form on behalf of someone in a nursing home or hospital
3. Then it’s time to enter your information again
   1. Name, date of birth, zip code and county
   2. Then some more personal questions about your race and ethnicity
4. Next—you’ll find the same yes or no questions from the eligibility form--asking about your employment or living situation
5. Then you select the date of your appointment, which you'll know from your confirmation email
6. Then one last click and when you’re all done you should see this page

Taylor Epps

This is what you need to bring with you to your appointment.

1. A print out or screenshot of the above vaccine form page
2. A valid government issued I-D to verify your age and identity
3. And if you're eligible through your employer, bring your work badge or documentation proving you work there

Then you’ll be all clear to get your vaccine. But before you leave, make sure to schedule an appointment for your second dose.

Because vaccine supply is low, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz says it is possible your appointment will be canceled, but says the county is working to secure more doses, so that does not happen.