Where to get the Coronavirus Vaccine in Boston?

 

2020 has been a difficult year because of COVID-19. 2021 started with a ray of hope with the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine. Many states began vaccinations in December and they are becoming more widely available as the weeks go by. If you are interested in inoculation, read on to find out where to get the coronavirus vaccine in Boston. 

 

Please note that the article below is intended purely for distributing information regarding the coronavirus vaccine resources in the Boston area. Remember to consult your doctor or local medical authority for health advice.

 

About The Vaccine

FDA has given approval for two vaccines for coronavirus: Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech. Both vaccines require 2 doses with a recommended gap of 4-6 weeks for Moderna and 3-6 weeks for Pfizer. In clinical trials, both vaccines have shown that they are effective in preventing COVID-19. Read more about the vaccines at the CDC website here. 

 

Current Eligibility In Massachusetts 

Those eligible to get the vaccine fall under the following approved categories:

• Phase 1
  • Clinical and non-clinical health care workers doing direct and COVID-facing care
  • Long term care facilities, rest homes and assisted living facilities
  • First responders 
  • Congregate care settings
  • Home-based health care workers
  • Health care workers doing non-COVID-facing care
  • Age 75+
• Phase 2 (after February 18)
  • Individuals 65 and older
  • Low income and senior housing residents and staff
  • People with 2+ certain medical conditions 

 

 

Where And How You Can Get The Coronavirus Vaccine in Boston

There are three primary ways you can get the vaccine in Boston. You can get it through Pharmacies, Healthcare Providers or Mass Vaccination Sites. Below are some more details about each source.

 

Pharmacies: Several nationwide pharmacies and stores now have the vaccine and allow online registration and scheduling 

• • Stop & Shop
  • CVS
  • Wegman’s
  • Walgreens
  • Hannaford
  • Price Chopper
  • Big Y

Helpful Tip: Slots at pharmacies in large metroplexes get filled up quickly. It is easier to find appointments if you look early in the morning. Appointments are easier to schedule if the pharmacy is an hour or two outside a large metroplex area – so be prepared to drive! Constant refreshing of the webpage can work if slots look unavailable.

 

Healthcare Providers: Hospitals and doctors offices across Massachusetts have received the vaccine and are administering doses to eligible individuals daily. For a list of healthcare locations use this site.

Helpful Tip:If you regularly see a specialty doctor, she/he may be able to schedule the vaccine for you. Ask!

 

 

Mass Vaccination Sites: Large hubs have been set up from Fenway Park to Gillette Stadium to seamlessly vaccinate thousands a day. These account for more than half of the total available vaccination appointments.

Helpful Tip: Refresh the page if you are unable to find a time slot. Many times, cancellations occur and slots open up!

 

 

Social Media Support

Community groups in Facebook and NextDoor have provided a platform for individuals to share their successes, frustrations, and learnings as they navigate the road towards getting vaccinated. Join these groups to read and share your experience in getting the COVID-19 vaccine in the Boston area!

 

Not Eligible Yet But Still Interested In Getting The Vaccine?

If you are not currently eligible but still would like to get vaccinated, here are some ways you can get the shot:

• Leftover doses: There are a limited number of doses in each vaccine vial which, once opened, cannot be stored again for future use. 
  • Many have found success trying their luck at vaccination sites at the end of the day to take leftover doses that would otherwise have been wasted. 
  • Others have called pharmacies that are currently vaccinating and have left their information behind on a waitlist to be contacted in case there are no-shows. 
  • Websites like vaxstandby.com, are also working to connect vaccination hosts with interested individuals in their zip code for extra available doses to avoid wastage.
• Volunteer
  • Large hubs vaccinate several thousand a day and it takes many healthcare professionals, community essential workers like firemen and police officers as well as committed volunteers to run a smooth operation. Several hubs offer vaccinations to volunteers for their safety, hard work and dedication, so do your turn to serve your community and get vaccinated while you’re at it!

 

We hope this information is helpful if you are trying to get the coronavirus vaccine in Boston. Here’s hoping we all have a healthier, happier and more normal 2021!

 

Please keep in mind that this article is for information regarding the coronavirus vaccine resources in the Boston area. Remember to consult your doctor or local medical authority for advice.

 

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