If you're like me and still waiting to get your COVID-19 vaccine, there's a way to get one by registering with the Dr. B website. This is a nationwide registry. Here's how it works. Because people miss their vaccine appointments, thawed doses of the vaccine must be used within 6 hours or get thrown out, and sometimes vials come with extra doses, people seeking their shot can benefit if they can respond quickly after being notified of sudden COVID-19 vaccine availability by a local provider. Once leftover vaccines are reported by a local provider (in or near your area code), those registered through the website will receive an alert via text.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

According to hidrb.com, "The text message notification will let you know that there is an available dose for you in a city. It will ask if you can arrive by a set time. You will need to respond to the text message quickly in order to claim the offered dose. After you confirm, you will receive the exact location and any additional information from the provider. You should then promptly proceed to vaccination site and let them know you were sent by Dr. B. After you confirm, the provider will have your name, and is expecting you before the set time."

It's very easy to sign up. It took me only 2 minutes to register. Go to hidrb.com and provide contact information. It's simple and it just may get you a vaccine sooner than expected. If you're wondering if the vaccine is free...the answer is yes since Health care providers will bill insurance companies, Medicaid and Medicare, or use federal funds designated for the uninsured but be aware that you may have to pay a copayment at the time of service.

Good luck!

LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.

 

More From WZOZ