HCN News & Notes

State to Close Vaccine Pre-registration System, Expand Homebound Vaccination Program

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration recently announced plans to close the Commonwealth’s vaccine pre-registration system by the end of May. The COVID-19 Vaccine Finder at vaxfinder.mass.gov will remain available, with more than 900 locations listed across the state.

The administration also announced the expansion of the state’s Homebound Vaccination Program to support in-home vaccinations for all eligible residents who are unable to get to a vaccine site. This expansion will support continued vaccination of hard-to-reach populations and supports the administration’s goal to make COVID-19 vaccines readily available.

Massachusetts remains a national leader in vaccinations, ranking first in the country for first doses and total doses per capita among states with more than 5 million people, and second in these categories among all states. The Commonwealth is focusing on a targeted, community-based approach to reach residents who have not yet received a first dose.

Individuals can call (833) 983-0485 to register for an in-home vaccination. The registration phone line is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has representatives who speak English and Spanish, as well as translation services available in more than 100 languages.

After registering, individuals will be called within five business days by the state’s homebound vaccine provider, Commonwealth Care Alliance, to schedule an appointment. It may take some time to get an appointment, and the quickest way to get vaccinated remains to schedule an appointment at a vaccination site by visiting vaxfinder.mass.gov.