‘MA COVID Vaccination Help,’ a Woman-Lead Volunteer Service, Is Helping Hundreds of People Schedule Their COVID Vaccine for Free

MA COVID Vaccination Help, a group of volunteers–mainly comprised of women-in-tech–have created a system in Massachusetts that has allowed thousands to schedule their COVID vaccine in the face of the government system that is not doing enough to help. From all different backgrounds and skillsets, these volunteers came together to help those who have difficulty with technology but who have a severe need to receive the COVID vaccine. 

The group formed when they realized there was a severe disconnect between the government infrastructure to schedule vaccines and the difficulties that many suffered trying to access technology. For users trying to make an appointment through government resources, many had to fill out pages of information before they could confirm and when they did the appointment would already be taken. For those without access to a computer, only 12,000  appointments were made out of 171,000 calls made— a 7% success rate. 

Through a Facebook group, these women formed a new system using their technological know-how to monitor the open appointments in the area for those who needed a vaccine the most. They factored in a person’s age, location, race, and ethnicity to allow those most in need to schedule first. With volunteers of all different ages and backgrounds, they have been able to schedule appointments for 450 people in the last twelve days alone. And it’s a completely free process.  

NicolinaFranke

Writer