Keeping You Safe
We understand that you may have questions about your safety when coming to our hospitals or outpatient offices for care in the new era of COVID-19. Although many restrictions and guidelines have changed across the state, hospitals and health care providers continue to follow and high level of safety precautions.
Masks Are Required in Health Care Facilities
For the continued safety and well-being of staff, patients and visitors, masks and social distancing are still required in our hospitals and clinical care areas. This is required for everyone regardless of vaccination status.
Each facility may have different procedures, please follow the requests of staff and read the posted signs. If you have questions, please ask a staff member for assistance.
Vaccines Are Available
If you are over the age of 12 and live, work, or study in Massachusetts, you can get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is free and you don’t need an ID or insurance to get the vaccine. The vaccine is proven to help prevent significant disease and protects against disease variants.
As always, talk with your health care provider about questions or concerns you have related to personal conditions or situations.
Update on a Third Dose of the Pfizer or Modern COVID-19 Vaccine
On August 13, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided new recommendations for the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people. The CDC now recommends a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for these individuals. If you meet these criteria, you are currently eligible for a third dose.
Why was an additional third dose recommended?
People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised are more likely to become very sick if they get COVID-19. They may also have a longer illness and may not get the same protection from two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines as other people do. The available data suggests that they may receive more protection from a third dose of vaccine.
If you meet the current criteria check the CDC website for the latest information about receiving the third dose vaccine. Speak with your physician if you have additional questions. You can search vaccines.gov, visit Mass.gov to find a location near you to receive the dose. You can also check with your local retail pharmacy or text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location.
