State Launches COVID-19 CDC Pharmacy Partnership, Expands Vaccine Locations

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced the expansion of more vaccine locations in each region of the Commonwealth at pharmacies, healthcare providers, and a second mass-vaccination site to boost the capacity to administer vaccines per week by the thousands. The Commonwealth will continue to add more vaccination sites throughout Massachusetts.

First, the administration announced that Massachusetts will become one of the first states in the nation to launch the COVID-19 CDC Pharmacy Partnership – Phase 1 with CVS and Walgreens pharmacies located throughout the Commonwealth. Starting this week, this program will deliver a total of 10,000 doses to at least 15 CVS and Walgreens pharmacies each week for eligible residents in the phase-1 priority groups.

Second, the administration announced that Fenway Park will become the state’s second mass-vaccination site, joining Gillette Stadium. The ballpark will open on Feb. 1 to start administering up to 500 vaccines per day to eligible residents in the phase-1 priority groups.

Next, the administration also announced that UMass Amherst is expanding its vaccination site to provide inoculations for eligible residents in phase-1 priority groups. UMass Amherst has been providing vaccines to first responders and plans to now offer vaccines to all eligible residents in phase-1 priority groups immediately.

Finally, to increase vaccine access for phase-1-eligible priority groups, the Baker-Polito administration is launching the Hospital Depot Initiative. This new program will facilitate access to COVID-19 vaccines for independent physician practices prioritized under phase 1. Participating hospitals include Baystate Medical Center, Berkshire Medical Center, Mass General Brigham, Lawrence General Hospital, Signature Brockton Hospital, and UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Current eligible groups under phase 1 include clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers doing direct and COVID-facing care; long-term-care facilities, rest homes, and assisted-living facilities; first responders (EMS, fire, and police); and congregate-care settings (including corrections and shelters).