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.
Get your booster today! It’s worth the shot!
Who’s eligible?
- Anyone age 16 and over can get a booster shot.
- Teens 16 – 17 years old are eligible to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster at least 6 months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
- Adults age 18+ are eligible if they have had two doses of an mRNA vaccine — Pfizer or Moderna — at least six months ago, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine at least two months ago.
How much does the booster cost?
All COVID-19 vaccinations, including the booster, are free.
Where can I get the booster shot?
You can also choose to receive the booster at your local pharmacy or find
a location using vaxfinder.mass.gov.
Why should I get the booster shot?
Increasing evidence shows the booster dose works very effectively at bringing down rates of infection, hospitalization and death in those who received them.
Omicron is a variant of concern that is beginning to spread in the United States. Early research shows it easily infects people who have been vaccinated or previously infected, but that a booster dose offers greater protection.
With COVID-19 cases rising in our community, getting the booster provides strong protection against COVID-19. The time is now to enhance your
immunity with a booster dose!
Update on a Third Dose of the Pfizer or Moderna 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 or visit vaxfinder.mass.gov to find a location near you to receive the dose. You can also check with your local retail pharmacy, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location.
