Vaccinations for COVID-19 are underway in Uruguay. Priority groups and anyone between 50 and 70 years old inclusive (updated) can be scheduled for shots, or jabs as we call them in the UK. 

Who can be scheduled?

According to the Uruguay government website, the vaccination campaign will be carried out in a progressive, staggered manner and in the shortest possible time. Groups will be prioritised according to risk of serious illness, exposure and vulnerability. Vaccination will increase as more vaccines arrive in the country, gradually reaching the population over 18 years of age who are not in the groups eligible in the first stages. The purchase of vaccines was planned so that the entire population that wants to be vaccinated can do so, at the appropriate stage.

How do I know if I am within the population to be vaccinated?

Check the groups eligible for vaccination on the government website. You can check with your ID card and date of birth if you are eligible to be scheduled. (Note: an excellent example of why it’s worth getting residency in Uruguay)

How do I make an appointment?

The government site says that you can make an appointment through the toll free number 0800 1919 and Whatsapp (098 999 999 999) but I found the WhatsApp bot frustrating because there was no availability for the centres I was looking for. You can also use the Coronavirus App. Based on my own experience, I found the vaccination schedule website quick and simple once I understood how it worked. Check out my tips below.

Can I choose a day and time?

You can only choose day and time in the vaccination schedule website. You can select, within the availability, day and time to be vaccinated according to the department and locality.

Can I make an appointment for someone else?

Yes, anyone can make an appointment if they have the ID card details of the person to be vaccinated.

Can I book more than one person?

The reservation is made for only one person. It is not possible to book more than one person for the same date and time. If you need to schedule more than one person, you will need to repeat the scheduling process for each person.

What information do I need to make an appointment?

Uruguayan identity card (cedula) and date of birth of the person to be vaccinated.

Do I schedule for each dose or both together?

In all cases the two doses are scheduled together.

Can I schedule myself in different vaccination centres for the first and second dose?

No. The second dose is automatically scheduled 28 days later at the same centre and time.

How do I check the date and time if I have already booked but I don’t remember these details?

You can check the date and time you have already booked on the vaccination schedule website. You will also receive a text message with your details – check your phone!

Can I cancel if I can’t attend on the date and time?

You can cancel your reservation up to 1 hour before the first dose. If you have received the first dose, you CANNOT cancel.

Where are the vaccination centres?

Here is the list of all the vaccination centres — charmingly known as vacunatorios 😉 — throughout the country.

Help! I can’t keep being told there’s no availability

This also happened to me too. I am based in Montevideo. I ended up choosing the “Antel Arena” which has capacity for 80 people at a time—much more capacity than most centres. I got in right away. So choose a location with lots of capacity.

Another tip – the schedule will show you three dates and then three dates a month later. It appears the second set of dates are for your second dose (which is scheduled automatically). Don’t even try scheduling from that second set.

Last tip – I assume that a new day is added at midnight each day. To schedule at the vaccination centre of your choice, try logging in after midnight when the new ‘day’ is released. Or very early in the morning. Let me know if that works for you!

If I was in the authorised group whose stage has finished and I was unable to register, will I still be able to get vaccinated?

Yes, you will be able to register in the age groups, once the priority groups have been vaccinated.

Are the covid vaccinations obligatory?

No. It’s your choice.

Source: The Uruguay Health Ministry website

Guru’Guay provides this information as a public service and cannot take responsibility for its accuracy. If you have doubts, check with your health provider.

[This article was first published March 11 2021 and updated at the date above]

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