Local COVID Resources

Local Resources

Free COVID-19 Vaccinations

Anyone age five and older may schedule a free COVID-19 vaccination or booster appointment. Walk-in appointments are accepted at many sites. You may also visit ourshot.in.gov if you prefer to make an appointment or call 2-1-1 if you need assistance. Please note that anyone younger than 18 years old must receive the Pfizer vaccine.

New: Vaccines for Ages 5–11

On November 2, 2021, the CDC authorized the Pfizer vaccine for ages 5 to 11 for emergency use authorization. The Pfizer pediatric dose series is two doses given 21 days apart––but it contains 1/3 of the dose given to individuals 12 years of age or older.

New: Booster Shots for Age 12 and Up

On January 5, 2022, the CDC expanded booster shot eligibility to those age 12 and up and strengthened recommendations for individuals ages 12–17. A “booster dose” is another dose of a vaccine that is given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination, but then that protection decreased over time (this is called waning immunity).

 

Free At-Home COVID Tests

Every home in the country is eligible to order four free at-⁠home rapid antigen COVID-⁠19 tests from USPS.com. The tests are completely free and will usually ship in 7–12 days. There will be no shipping costs and you won’t need to enter a credit card number. There is a limit of one order per residential address. Order your tests now.

Additionally, your health insurance company will pay you back for up to eight at-⁠home tests per month for each person on the plan. Learn more about insurance reimbursement.

 

Free Transportation for Vaccinations

Indiana University Health is offering free rides to any COVID-19 vaccine site in the state. The appointment does not need to be at an IU Health vaccine clinic. If you need transportation to your vaccine appointment, call 888-IUHEALTH (888-484-3258) and choose option 9. Callers will be asked if they have insurance in case their insurance provider already covers the cost of transportation, however, insurance is not required. Interpreters from IU Health’s Language Services team are available to help if a caller does not speak English. Learn more.

 

Community Resource Database

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce and many collaborators in the community have gathered an extensive database of resources to help Monroe County individuals and businesses navigate the effects of COVID-19. This includes guidance for businesses, legal resources, economic information, health department recommendations, and more. Search the database here.

 

Energy and Water Assistance for Hoosiers

South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) is once again providing financial assistance with winter fuel/heating bills for households in Monroe County for the upcoming 2021–22 season. The Energy Assistance Program is an annual program that assists members of our community who have household incomes at or below 60% of the State Median Income. This program is available to Hoosiers renting and for those who own their home. You do not need to have fallen behind on your heating or electric bills to qualify. Learn more.

 

Low-Cost, High-Speed Internet Access

As part of a COVID-relief funding bill passed in late 2020, Congress established the Emergency Broadband Benefit. The federal program provides increased access to broadband internet and connected devices for qualifying income-eligible households. If your household is eligible, you can receive a monthly discount on your internet bill (up to $50 per month), and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer through a participating provider. Check to see if you qualify, apply, and find a provider near you.

 

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Temporary Changes

If you are or have been employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or nonprofit organization, you might be eligible for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, or its temporary counterpart (TEPSLF). These programs forgive the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Previously, many borrowers applied only to discover they were ineligible. However, now through October 31, 2022, many student loan borrowers who previously did not qualify may receive credit and qualify for past periods of repayment. Learn more.

 

Need Help? Call Indiana 2-1-1

For Hoosiers in need of help accessing local resources in Monroe County, Indiana 2-1-1 has a team of Community Navigators available to provide expert referrals to services in our community. 2-1-1 Community Navigators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assist you with a variety of resources such as food and clothing, mental health and addiction services, healthcare, housing and utility assistance, education and employment, parenting support, tax assistance, and more. Learn more.

 

Resources for Survivors of Violence

We are committed to being a supportive voice for survivors of violence in Monroe County. Middle Way House remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is offering a new webchat resource to assist survivors without telephone access. Learn more about how to get help.

 

Bloomington Mask Drive: Free Masks

The Bloomington Mask Drive offers free reusable masks in the Downtown Library parking lot entrance vestibule and in other community locations. View a full location list.

 

Community Access Television Services

Want to stay informed? Our television station, Community Access Television Services, telecasts five cable channels in Monroe County and provides live and archived coverage of councils, boards, and commissions, including the Mayor's weekly COVID-19 community press conference. Find a full lineup.

 

Health Sources

As COVID-19 information expands frequently, we are committed to keeping you safe and informed. Visit these websites for current health information.

Updated January 20, 2022