HCN News & Notes

Baker-Polito Administration Encourages COVID-19 Boosters

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced that, effective immediately, all Massachusetts residents ages 18 and over are eligible to get a COVID-19 booster six months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months since receiving a Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.

Massachusetts residents can access booster doses from more than 1,000 locations, with appointments available now for booking across the Commonwealth. CDC recommendations allow for mixing and matching of different COVID-19 booster doses, and eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. The administration recommends that residents with questions about which booster is right for them should ask their healthcare provider for advice.

Visit the Vaxfinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of locations to receive a booster. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering boosters. Many locations will be booking appointments out weeks in advance.

Individuals who are unable to use Vaxfinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, may call the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Call 211 and follow the prompts for assistance. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community.

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster. Additional information on the COVID booster, including FAQs, can be found at mass.gov/covid19booster.