'Vaccine Helpers' Assist With Registering For COVID Vaccine, Finding Appointment

DENVER (CBS4)- There is a group dedicated to helping guide those 65 and older through the process of getting registered to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The "Vaccine Helpers" will help those who are struggling to find where they can get the COVID vaccine.

Sara Walsh tells CBS4 the idea came to her after helping her mother and several other family members schedule a vaccine appointment earlier this month.

"I thought, well if we can do this for them, why don't I throw something up on Facebook and say, 'hey, if you guys are struggling with getting your parents or grandparents or whoever appointments let me know and I'll help,'" Walsh said.

Walsh now has a streamlined process, which includes an intake form to collect basic information from the person needing help. She's also coordinating with an army of more than 60 volunteers from all across the state.

In the last week, the helpers have scheduled shots for 64 older Coloradans.

"It's a little overwhelming, it's a little sad, it's sometimes a little angering, because these people feel like they don't have anybody to help them," Walsh said. "In this world, the way it is right now, community should be helping community."

Self-described "extroverted world traveler," Holly McDonell, is one of the many people who reached out for help after hearing about the effort. Before doing so, she had registered to be on the waitlist with 7 different pharmacies or hospital systems, but wasn't having any luck.

"It just gets a little dark," Walsh said. "You just keep trying and trying and get more frustrated."

Within hours of reaching out, Walsh heard back from a vaccine helper volunteer. The 69-year-old now has an appointment next week.

After the second shot, Walsh plans to visit her kids and grandkids and hopes soon it will be safe for her to travel the world again.

"It is just so wonderful that she started this and so many people have joined her army of angels to help us all out," Walsh said.

Those who need help can fill out a form with some basic information and one of more than 60 volunteers will help them find an appointment.

LINK: Vaccine Helpers

If you are interested in volunteering, you can reach out to Sara via email at swalsh1273@gmail.com.