A "Frustratingly Impossible" Vaccine Sign-Up System

Also: Essaibi George will join Boston mayoral race; Biden to revoke Trump abortion policy ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  [Donate [WBUR]]( [View in Browser](  [WBUR]( January 28, 2021 Good Morning Boston, ❄️ A chance of snow showers, mainly before 7 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Thanks to all the readers who emailed yesterday to share their experiences about trying to sign up for vaccines in the 75+ group. Frustration seemed to be the theme across many of the responses we received. (You can read the story below to see if your submission was included.) Here's the latest on the vaccine sign up process in Massachusetts: - Eligible residents (75+) could start scheduling appointments as of yesterday for shots being administered starting Monday. But scheduling didn't go as planned for many. They encountered a confusing online sign-up system, a lack of available appointments and long loading times. - In a press conference on Monday, Gov. Charlie Baker described the website as a simple sign-up process, despite the many reports of technical issues. When asked by a reporter if there were plans to streamline the process, Baker responded: "How much more streamlined would you like it to be than that?" He blames lack of supply for the bumpy start. Making matters worse, the state later sent out a [controversial tweet]( about vaccine sign ups that has since been taken down. - Another layer of vaccine woes for the state: Leaders of the two statewide teachers unions are [not pleased]( the Baker administration's decision to move people between the ages of 65 and 75 up in the vaccine priority line, ahead of teachers. - PSA: Sign ups for the Fenway Park vaccination site open today. The site has capacity for 500 appointments a day starting Monday. - We are once again asking you: We did hear from a couple of people who signed up for a vaccine appointment successfully. We're planning to do a follow-up story with advice about what has worked. If you have wisdom to share with your fellow readers and listeners, please reply to this email! And in other local news: - Boston City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George is throwing her hat in the ring for mayor. The announcement makes her the third city councilor and third woman of color to officially enter the race. You can learn more about her [announcement and credentials here](. - Gov. Baker has proposed a [$45.6 billion budget for the fiscal year]( starting in July. That's slightly smaller than the current year's budget, but it increases funding in key areas, including more than doubling the budget for the state emergency management agency. P.S.– Roses are red; violets are blue. We have a question and want to hear from you! (...Sorry.) But in all seriousness, have you fallen in love with someone over Zoom? If so, WBUR would love to hear from you for a Valentine's Day story. You can share your story by replying to this email. — Meagan McGinnes [@meaganmcginnes]( newsletters@wbur.org The Rundown [1.](url)[As Those Over 75 Become Eligible For Vaccines, Mass. Residents Describe A 'Frustratingly Impossible' Sign-Up System]( WBUR asked residents to share their experiences signing up for a vaccine appointment. In emailed responses, more than a dozen described a confusing online sign-up system, a lack of available appointments, and frustration at the slow vaccine rollout. [Read more.](   #%23%23[Twitter](  #%23%23[Facebook](    2. [Biden To Revoke Trump Abortion Policy, Expand Obamacare With New Executive Orders]( President Biden's executive order would open a special enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act from Feb. 15 to May 15. [Read more.]( - Related: [Beyond COVID-19: 4 Other Key Health Issues Congress Recently Addressed]( 3. [Boston To Conduct Annual Homeless Census, With Some Pandemic Alterations]( City leaders and advocates conducted its annual census of people experiencing homelessness in Boston overnight Wednesday into Thursday. But the undertaking looked and felt a lot different than in years past. [Read more.]( 4. [Families Separated At Border Hope Biden Reunites Them, Bringing Deported Parents Back]( President Biden has promised to appoint a task force to help reunite these separated families, which he's expected to formally announce on Friday. [Read more.]( 5. [Some In New England Unhappy With End Of Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine]( The U.S. government has lifted a quarantine on this invasive insect that's killed many trees in Massachusetts and Connecticut. But critics of the change have been more vocal outside those states. [Read more.]( Support the news Anything Else? - The economy is down but not out. Here's why [economists think there's room for hope.]( - How does screen time shape kids? On Point is covering that on today's hour. Listen live at 10 a.m. or [check back here]( to catch what you missed. - From curating the Chinese zodiac to a (virtual) winter wildlife exploration, here are [five things you can do this weekend.]( [WBUR] Your Daily Must Listen [Anything For Selena | Episode 4: Big Butt Politics]( [Listen]( VACCINES [Vaccines Will Take Months To Slow Down The Pandemic. Until Then, Mask Up]( What To Know About Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution In Mass. [Read more.]( Complete Coverage Of Vaccines In Mass. [Find it here.]( COVID-19 Immunity: How To Get It, How Long It Lasts, And How To Detect It. [Listen.]( 📬 Get the latest on vaccine safety protocols, side effects, local distribution plans & more in your inbox. 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