by Cesse Ip

2/25 Update: DC Health apologized for their failure to do proper technical testing and has committed to having the vaccine registration system ready for Friday, Feb 25th. The web portal and call center will open up to all eligible DC residents (including those with qualifying health conditions) with 4,350 appointments.

On Saturday, Feb. 27 at 9am there will be an extra registration session for eligible residents (including those with qualifying health conditions) *who live in priority zip codes* with 3,500 appointments.

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Starting Friday, February 26th at 9am, approximately 4,350 appointments will be made available for DC residents who live in priority zip codes (20422, 20011, 20017, 20018, 20002, 20001, 20019, 20020, 20032, 20593) — AND are one of the following:

Are 65 years old or older
Have a qualifying medical condition
18 or older with a qualifying medical condition
Are a member of an eligible workforce

The priority zip codes include areas of the city where residents are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, including number of cases and mortality rate. On Friday, February 26th, DC will make approximately 4,350 additional appointments available for all District residents who are 65 years of age or older, have a qualifying medical condition, and/or are a member of an eligible workforce group (these appointments are also available to workers who live outside of DC, but work in the District).

Qualifying medical conditions include:

Previously, DC Health had announced that smoking or a BMI of 25 would qualify, but on Thursday, February 18th they had revised and qualified the list as is. You will not have to provide documentation of your medical condition, but you will have to self-attest to your condition on your registration form.

List of eligible workforce are:

[Now Vaccinating Slide]

There have been many stories of DC Health’s website crashing or running out of appointments right away for vaccine appointments, which is very frustrating. Tomorrow when the city opens appointments to a new round of residents, more frustrations will occur. However, DC’s vaccine supply is increasing each week, which should make it easier to secure appointments as the weeks go by.

If you are a patient at one of DC’s hospitals, vaccine appointments should be available as early as next week through the hospitals. See links on DC Health’s website for each specific hospital. Additionally, DC Health is on track to switch to a waitlist-like registration system by the second week of march, which should decrease the anxiety-inducing scramble to secure appointments.

If you have questions or requests, contact Ward 4’s Councilmember Janeese Lewis George’s constituent services team at 202-724-8052.