D.C.’s new coronavirus vaccination preregistration website debuted Wednesday as city officials attempt to streamline the process after numerous technical issues in recent weeks.
Eligible residents can go to vaccinate.dc.gov or call 855-363-0333 to preregister with the system. Residents will have 48 hours to respond to an invitation to make an appointment.
As of Wednesday, residents age 65 and older, residents 18 and older with a qualifying medical condition and members of certain workforces are eligible for vaccination. Residents age 16 and 17 with qualifying medical conditions can register for the vaccine waiting list through Children’s National Hospital on a different online forum.
Mayor Muriel Bowser said a long lapse of time may occur from preregistering to being inoculated.
“You will wait to get a call, text or email — your choice — telling you that it’s time to make a vaccination appointment,” the mayor said Monday at a news conference. “This could take days, it could take weeks, and it can even take months, depending on your risk factor and eligibility.”
Bowser said residents shouldn’t rush to enroll Wednesday for preregistration because the system doesn’t prioritize sign-up times.