Looking to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Here are some tips to navigate the process

March 3, 2021

Three safe and highly effective COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States, and all Boilermakers are strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine as part of their continued commitment to protect themselves, protect others and protect Purdue. 

Any Indiana resident age 30 and older, as of March 29, is now eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment, as are long-term care residents and first responders. There is no charge to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Purdue COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Task Force offers the following tips to help navigate the process for getting the vaccine as soon as possible, or as soon as you are able:

  • Schedule online or by phone: Visit the Indiana COVID-19 website or call 211 to find nearby clinics and make an appointment for yourself or on behalf of an eligible senior. 
  • Check around: With high local demand and slots filling up fast, a quicker option might be the clinics and mobile sites surrounding Tippecanoe County — Delphi, Crawfordsville, Fowler, Frankfort, Monon, Monticello, Williamsport and other regional communities, for example.
  • Monitor appointment openings: Even if you’ve made an appointment, earlier times can pop up because of cancellations or if additional doses become available. Tip: You may need to call 211 to reschedule for an earlier date.
  • Join a waiting list: Some local pharmacies, clinics and distribution sites have waiting lists of those willing to be called in case someone misses or can’t keep their appointment.
  • Track social media: State and local health departments use Twitter, Facebook and other social media channels to provide updates on vaccine availability, eligibility and guidelines. For example, the Tippecanoe County Health Department recently shared that individuals over age 70 can call the county vaccine administration site directly to schedule an appointment at 765-269-4034.
  • Watch for updates: Vaccine eligibility guidelines change frequently, and guidance is regularly updated at the Indiana COVID-19 website. 

More Purdue information about the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine eligibility and the Purdue COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Task Force is available on the Protect Purdue website. 

The Indiana Department of Health, not Purdue, determines who is eligible to receive the vaccine.

Even after receiving the shot and until there is enough vaccine for everyone, the IDOH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone to continue wearing a mask, practice social distancing and use good hygiene by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.