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6 real-world tips for successfully booking COVID-19 vaccine appointments

In a strange turn of events, the same online sleuthing and quick-on-the-keyboard booking skills that were helpful when snagging a business-class saver airline award ticket to Australia, ordering Lysol wipes back in the peak mayhem of March 2020 or back when snagging hot concert tickets was a thing, are now precisely the skills that could save a life.

Across the U.S., the COVID-19 vaccine has been available to eligible groups since late-2020. Unfortunately, being eligible in any given state is only half the battle. In many cases, you also have to snag an online appointment slot to get the shot -- a task that has ranged from tough for the internet-savvy to borderline impossible for those that aren't.

Since late-December, I've been (obsessively) studying the vaccine rollout and associated booking process in order to help secure appointments for my parents who are in their 70s and other eligible family members. Eventually, I moved on to helping friends, friends of friends and anyone else I knew of who needed help in securing an appointment.

I can't develop vaccines, save lives in the ICU or even put shots in arms, but I've gotten pretty good at finding COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Here are my tips for finding COVID-19 vaccines if you are having trouble.

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Know the rules

Before we get into how to find vaccine appointments, let's start with a reminder to know the eligibility rules for your state. These rules can and will keep changing as your state (or portion of the state) works through the different priority groups. Some states have very clear criteria based on age, while others have broader lists that may even include relatively common criteria such as having high blood pressure, a 30.0 or higher BMI or asthma.

So, before assuming you are -- or aren't -- currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you've really got to read the fine print for your particular state. Also, know that some states or areas expressly state you need to be a resident to receive a vaccine, while others don't have that requirement.

And, of course, once you know the eligibility rules for your area, they will keep changing until we reach general population rollout, so this isn't a check it once and forget it thing if you aren't yet eligible. For example, just recently, President Biden instructed states to vaccinate teachers with at least the first dose of the vaccine by the end of March, which should open that near-term pathway for eligible educators for the roughly 50% of states that hadn't already identified them as a priority group.

Related: What you need for your vaccine passport

Get on the lists

After verifying the eligibility requirements, it's time to get on some vaccine waiting lists.

Register high and low in your area with everyone ranging from the county-run vaccination lists to urgent and emergency care facilities that are accepting names on a list to large hospital systems and your individual physician offices.

In most areas, there's no singular magical list to join. There are many you should be on simultaneously.

What we've seen is that some of these organizations will work through the priority lists faster than others and begin inviting those further down on the list with little to no notice, so being on a list can only increase your odds of getting a vaccine sooner rather than later.

Related: The CDC says people who are fully vaccinated can skip quarantine — with caveats

Search the pharmacy sites

While it wasn't true at first, now the major national pharmacy chains are pretty reliably offering COVID-19 appointments in most states. However, when they refresh their calendar with available appointments and the precise process to book the appointments varies.

CVS allows you to see which cities vaccine appointments are available in its 29 available states and territories before you go further in the process, though -- of course -- availability can change quickly. (And yes, like with airline award bookings, "phantom availability" is a thing.) It also highlights the currently bookable groups when you select a specific state.

You can start by searching here with a ZIP code, but you may have better luck with a city name. Also, remember those "smaller" cities that may have shown as available on that first screen. If you are willing to drive a little bit, you may have better luck here than sticking to the big-name cities. For example, within an hour and change outside of Houston, cities such as Huntsville, Tomball and Orange have been far easier for booking appointments at CVS than in the actual city limits.

Pro tip: CVS tends to load big blocks of appointments around 6 to 7 a.m. and books up to a week in advance, so be sure and check the dates furthest out for the best availability. Note that if you are booking an appointment for someone else, once you get an appointment slot, CVS will ask you for a whole lot of information well beyond name, date of birth and qualifying condition or profession.

It is possible to book a second-dose only appointment with CVS, if necessary.

Walmart has been my favorite way to book vaccine appointments, but note that you will need to set up an online account to book your COVID-19 vaccine. This is also true for Walmart's sister company, Sam's Club, which is also administering vaccines in some locations. You do not need to be a paying member of Sam's Club to book an appointment, but you will need an online account. However, you can book for someone else from your online account.

With Walmart, you have to check individual store availability, which is a bit cumbersome. However, what makes it my favorite booking site is the reliability of new appointments loading around midnight local time, one day at a time, for just under a week in advance. This doesn't happen every single night, but in my tests, it has worked several nights per week.

Pro tip: But it gets better than just knowing the appointments usually load around midnight. Being in Central Standard Time, I realized that if I change my phone's time to Eastern, the appointments locally display an hour earlier, so around 11 p.m. instead of at midnight. Again, this isn't a perfect science, but it has worked more than it failed in my tests.

Like with Walmart, you need an account set-up with Walgreens before you can search vaccine appointments. However, at least in my tests, this system is even more restrictive than Walmart as it would not allow me to book appointments for others from my account as it prefills name and date of birth information.

A handy functionality with CVS is that before you get too far into the process, it will flag if an appointment is available in the next three days in your area. Like with the others, searching with city names can result in more options than just using your ZIP code.

You can book a second-dose only vaccine with CVS and you can flag whether you need a Moderna or Pfizer second dose.

Technology tools

Learning which locations in your area reliably restock appointments and being online when those appointments commonly load (often, but not always, around midnight or very early in the morning) should be enough to get an appointment before too long. However, if you have a tech-savvy family member looking to help, it is theoretically possible to set up a page change alert to ping you when a specific page changes. However, there are realistic limits to this based on how those tools often work.

For example, a page change alert set via Visualping could likely alert you via email when the cities on this page change but couldn't go so far as to indicate whether your specific closest CVS has an appointment or actually book an appointment for you. The version of this service you'd need to be useful given how frequently these things change is not free and I don't really recommend it if you aren't already using it for other purposes.

Join Facebook groups

If you are just looking for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for yourself or a few people, a far better approach than diving into any specific tech tools or browser extensions is to virtually network.

Join local vaccine-focused Facebook groups

There are a growing number of online groups dedicated to people helping others find vaccine appointments. Most of these groups reside on Facebook and many are private groups that require joining to share and use information. The best groups are focused on a specific area such as Vaccinate Houston , COVID Vaccine Help New York , New York / Connecticut Vaccine Hunters and Angels , Long Island COVID Vaccine Information , New Jersey COVID Vaccine Sites , PA COVID Vaccine Match Maker and the list goes on.

To find a group for your city, state or area, go to the Facebook Groups section of Facebook and search some combination of terms such as COVID + vaccine + your area and have some patience looking around as the search tool isn't the best.

These groups will frequently share which pharmacy locations have the best availability, can tip you off to large scale sites that are accepting appointments (or even taking anyone), will keep you in the loop when large batches of appointments are available and can even point you toward opportunities to volunteer in exchange for a potential vaccine.

This is precisely how I got vaccinated in Texas before I was otherwise in an identified group.

I learned of a volunteer opportunity at a major hospital-run drive-through vaccine site that was requesting volunteers. In exchange for working in a non-medical role, I was vaccinated by the hospital approximately a week later. Without the Facebook group, it's unlikely I would have learned of that volunteer opportunity.

If you are looking to volunteer in a similar fashion, in addition to following Facebook groups, also register as a volunteer with your area's medical reserve corp (you can often register as a non-medical volunteer) and find out if other organizations, such as a hospital system, are accepting non-medical volunteers to aid in their large-scale vaccine clinics. Those will often have a different volunteer sign-up process than the county-run programs.

If you join an active group focused on finding COVID-19 vaccine appointments and check what is posted several times a day, that is likely your very best tool for getting a vaccine as quickly as possible in your area.

Follow county officials and vaccine distribution groups

While you are following groups on Facebook, it's recommended that you also follow local officials for your area and groups that are in charge of mass vaccine clinics. In my own town, there have been a couple of occasions when a vaccine drive had far more no-shows than expected and they had several hundred vaccines leftover that were suddenly available.

This information was shared by the medical group providing the shots and the local county judge on Facebook. As you would expect, within an hour or so, all "extra" vaccines were spoken for, so check often and move quickly.

Follow vaccine bots on Twitter

Another very helpful resource that is available in some areas are vaccine bots (and human-manned) accounts on Twitter.

Like with the Facebook groups, you need to find the bot specific to your area for it to be very useful. The largest is likely @turbovax that is focused on NYC appointment availability. I've seen additional vaccine-focused Twitter accounts in New York, New Jersey, San Antonio and beyond.

Some of these accounts are very niche, such as this one that only hunts for CVS appointments in Virginia (likely using a page change alert such as mentioned above), and some are broader in what they cover.

Related: What the COVID-19 vaccine might mean for your travel plans

Consider looking beyond your immediate area

You may find this hard to believe if you live in an area where the COVID-19 vaccine is still only available to a small list of extremely high-risk groups, but in some parts of the country, it's already available to any adult who wants one.

These areas are often more sparsely populated and not immediately neighboring a major metropolitan area. Unfortunately, these are also the areas that have a higher prevalence of vaccine hesitancy in the community, for one reason or another.

For example, in Texas, there are many reports of vaccines being available to any adult who would like one in Odessa, Amarillo and in the Orange/Beaumont area , among others. And in some cases, there's not even an associated residency restriction, which has led to some regional "vaccine tourism" of sorts when people fly or drive-in for the day to get a vaccine. Frequently, it's not the chain pharmacies that initially open it up to anyone, but the larger clinics that are giving thousands of vaccines per day or week that move first toward expanding eligibility.

It's not just Texas. Out in Arizona, this has reportedly also played out in Gila County , however as of now, that is limited to those who live or work in that county.

For context, these areas aren't able to continue distributing the vaccines they have on hand, they likely won't continue to receive them at the same rate, so they have every incentive to move beyond the initially identified groups and continue to simply get "shots in arms."

Knowing that some areas have already expanded to the "vaccines for all" phase of the rollout will help when understanding that even if you aren't able or comfortable traveling very far for a vaccine, at least consider pharmacies and clinics slightly outside your precise location. Even driving an hour or two may enable you to get vaccine days, weeks (or perhaps months) sooner than you otherwise would. Not only that, but it frees up a vaccine in your area, where they may be in more limited supply.

Related: You finally got vaccinated: Here's what you'll need for a digital health passport

Bottom line

It can be very stressful trying to secure a COVID-19 vaccine, even if you already expressly eligible in your hometown.

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout system leans on a technological patchwork that frequently requires working multiple avenues at regular intervals to secure your dose. Anyone who just registers with one site and waits (or worse yet, just waits) to be contacted will almost certainly wait far longer than someone who is actively searching for appointments.

Naturally, some folks are more adept at surfing the internet vaccine appointment hunting than others. And, as it turns out, anyone who has been at the award travel game for some time is likely well-equipped to follow some of this advice and help themselves -- and others -- line-up a coveted vaccine appointment faster than average. Those skills and the subsequent vaccination may not only reopen the door to travel , but it could also save a life.

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Need travel vaccines? Plan ahead.

International travel increases your chances of getting and spreading diseases that are rare or not found in United States. Find out which travel vaccines you may need to help you stay healthy on your trip.

Before Travel

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines . Routine vaccinations protect you from infectious diseases such as measles that can spread quickly in groups of unvaccinated people. Many diseases prevented by routine vaccination are not common in the United States but are still common in other countries.

Check CDC’s destination pages for travel health information . Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider or a travel health specialist  that takes place at least one month before you leave. They can help you get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and information. Discussing your health concerns, itinerary, and planned activities with your provider allows them to give more specific advice and recommendations.

Because some vaccines require multiple doses, it’s best to see your health care provider as soon as possible.

Medicines to prevent malaria are pills that you start to take before travel. Take recommended medicines as directed. If your health care provider prescribes medicine for you, take the medicine as directed before, during, and after travel. 

Where can I get travel vaccines?

You may be able to get some travel vaccines from your primary healthcare provider. If you or your healthcare provider need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit CDC’s Find a Clinic page.

If yellow fever vaccine is recommended or required for your destination, you’ll need to go to a vaccine center authorized to give yellow fever vaccinations. Many yellow fever vaccine centers also provide other pre-travel health care services. Find an  authorized US yellow fever vaccine center .

Examples of Vaccines

Here is a list of possible vaccines that you may need to get for the first time or boosters before you travel.

• Cholera 
• Flu (Influenza)
• Hepatitis A   
• Hepatitis B   
• Japanese encephalitis   
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• Meningococcal   
• Pneumococcal   
• Polio   
• Rabies   
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
• Typhoid   
• Yellow fever

More Information

CDC Yellow Book: Travel Vaccine Summary Table

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AITC Immunization & Travel Clinic

We provide travel health visits, vaccinations, TB testing, and blood tests. Appointment only.

Attention!  starting April 15, 2024

Our new website address is   SF.GOV/AITC

AITC Services, Price, and Forms

Book an appointment on line and get clinic forms

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Donate to AITC

Welcome to AITC

AITC is a non-profit clinic that is part of the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH). As public health providers, our mission is to prevent disease and protect the health of all.

We are open to the public, and serve all members of the community, including:

• Teens and adults seeking recommended vaccinations
• School age children needing vaccines required for school
• Adults who need vaccines for work or school
• Immigrants to the US requiring vaccines for Change of Status
• Individuals and families planning international travel

Our services are by appointment only.

AITC is unable to accept insurance.  Fees must be paid at the time of service.   Low-cost or free services are available to those who qualify.

Message about our MPOX vaccine (JYNNEOS) supply

Mpox vaccine at AITC is still supplied free of charge by the government.  Later in 2024 we may need to purchase the vaccine and charge a fee for it.  We will post more information when it becomes available. 

Getting here

Metered street parking or  Civic Center Garage

Public transportation

Southwest corner, Civic Center Plaza Across from City Hall BART  /  MUNI : Civic Center Station

Make an appointment online by clicking the left link. It is highly recommended; it is simpler and faster.

If you need assistance, please call us.

AITC Immunization & Travel Clinic

Mon to Fri, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Closed for lunch 12 pm - 1pm

We are closed weekends and holidays .

Find more information about how to get to our clinic .

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Get started finding a cheap flight to Bratsk on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

We recommend using the ‘Flexible Dates’ calendar at the top of the page to see the price of plane tickets on the surrounding dates. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Bratsk.

Roundtrip prices range from - , and one-ways to Bratsk start as low as .

Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. And routes with connections may be available at a cheaper rate.

Airlines that fly to Bratsk ( BTK)

You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to Bratsk. There are airlines flying into BTK: . 

Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. It’s best to understand the details of each airline’s offer before judging its value.

For example, if you plan to check a bag or bring a carry-on, check whether the cheap airfare deal includes a baggage allowance. If not, verify whether the baggage fee is higher than the difference of other airline plane ticket deals offering free checked/carry-on baggage in exchange for a slightly higher airfare. 

Additionally, your preferred frequent flyer membership programs may influence your choice of cheap airline. Expedia allows you to enter your membership numbers during checkout to earn points from your airline and Expedia Rewards—all while getting a great deal and planning all your travel in one online platform.

Find the best deals

At Expedia, we source many flight deals from multiple providers, so you can easily find the best deals that are right for you. A great strategy for getting the best deals can be to make sure you book and travel at the optimal times. Airfare to Bratsk (BTK) varies throughout the year based on seasonal demand. You’ll see the lowest rates for roundtrips to BTK in and in for one-ways.

Cancellation & flexibility

To change or cancel eligible flights, go to ‘My Trips’ and navigate to your itinerary. If you booked within the last 24-hours, you might be able to cancel your flight for free. Learn more about flight changes or cancellations from our customer service portal . Some plane tickets are available with no change fees, which you can filter for during your search.

Frequently asked questions

• What you pack in your hand luggage can be the difference between a comfortable flight, and one you’d rather forget. Start with the essentials, such as a valid ID (like your passport) and your travel documents. Once they’re safely packed, toss in any medications you might need. Next, think about comfort. A quality neck pillow, earphones and the latest bestseller will help the hours fly by while you’re cruising at altitude.
• Don’t forget there’s also a list of prohibited items for your hand luggage which differs between carriers. Generally, avoid carrying anything explosive, sharp or flammable. This includes things like razor blades, knives, flares and aerosol cans. Sports equipment like baseball bats, tennis rackets and objects considered weapons, such as batons and swords, are also banned from the cabin.
• The aisles of an aircraft aren’t suitable for a fashion show. Layer up in comfy clothes and pack a pullover since it can get cool in the cabin on long-haul flights. Sneakers or other closed-toe shoes are perfect for longer journeys.
• The condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clotting caused by inactivity and poor circulation. Wandering up and down the aisle and doing foot and leg stretches while seated can prevent it developing. Wearing compression tights or socks also helps to lessen your risk.

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Subject essay: Lewis Siegelbaum

“In the Bratsk Station, Russia, your motherly image shimmering unfolded itself to me.” So wrote Evgenii Evtushenko, native son of Siberia, in his epic poem, Bratsk Station (1964), which celebrated the Bratsk High Dam (Bratskaia GES). Built across the Angara River at Padun Gorge, the Bratsk High Dam took its name — which in Russian means “brotherly” — from the seventeenth-century village that was buried at the bottom of one of the largest artificial bodies of water in the world, the Bratsk Sea. Construction on the three-mile long dam began in 1955, succeeding despite the brutal cold and supply difficulties caused by the remote location. The reservoir-sea began to fill on September 1, 1961, eventually raising the level of the river at the dam site by 479 feet. The first hydroelectric turbine went into operation in November 1961, and by 1969 there were eighteen turbines with a total capacity of 4.5 million kilowatts, greater than any in the world up to that time.

Attracted by high wages and the spirit of camaraderie and adventure characteristic of major construction projects of earlier decades, young people flocked to the dam site from throughout the Soviet Union. Many of them were recruited by the Komsomol. The resident population of Bratsk city, which increased from 43,000 in 1959 to 155,000 by 1970, was remarkably young, averaging 27 years of age in the latter year. The dam itself employed approximately 800 people, but many times that number worked in factories powered by the dam, including a wood-processing combine capable of turning five million cubic yards of wood into various products, and an enormous aluminum plant, the Soviet Union’s largest.

Symbolizing the conquest of nature, the Bratsk High Dam powered industry that significantly degraded the environment and itself contributed to the depletion of species of fish in the Angara and nearby Lake Baikal. If to Evtushenko it represented the triumph of the human spirit, then to Valentin Rasputin, another Siberian writer, its flooding of the island and village of Matyora (linguistically suggestive of both “mother” [mat’] and “dry land” [materik]) was indicative of the heavy price paid by technological progress.

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