COVID-19 Information

Stay home if you are sick and follow these guidelines. You may resume daily activities when you meet both of the following criteria:

1. Fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the aid of medications)
2. Symptoms are improving.

Once you resume normal activities, it’s important to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread:

• Wash hands and surfaces often.
• Wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask.
• Physically distance yourself from others, such as avoiding crowded indoor settings.
• Take steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air or purifying indoor air.
• Talk to your doctor about treatments for flu or COVID to lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness.
• Test negative before spending time with individuals at higher risk (older adults, immunocompromised, etc.).

All people age 6 months and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can be vaccinated. Children ages 6 months and older can receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. People ages 12 years and older can receive the Novavax vaccine. People age 18 and older can receive any vaccine. Learn more. 

Massachusetts residents can get COVID-19 vaccine at their doctors’ office, health center, local pharmacy, or through their local health department. Pediatricians’ offices and community health centers are the best option for accessing COVID-19 vaccines for children, especially those between 6 months and 5 years of age. You can also search for a pharmacy near you on VaccineFinder.org, but be sure to call ahead to make sure they have vaccines in stock. 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Information 

Massachusetts residents can use My Vax Records to get a digital vaccine card to show you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.  

COVID-19 therapeutic treatments including monoclonal antibodies and antiviral pills, like Paxlovid, can help lower the amount of virus in your body and protect you from severe symptoms. They can help prevent hospitalization and reduce your chance of severe disease. 

Free treatments are available for people who meet all of the following eligibility: 

• are at increased risk of severe disease (has just one risk factor) and/or over the age of 65, and 
• test positive for COVID-19 (on a at-home or PCR test), and  
• have any symptoms, even mild ones (such as runny nose or cough). 

Antiviral Oral Medication: 

Paxlovid 

• Must be taken within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptom 
• Must be 12 years or older and weigh at least 88 pounds 
• Interactions with many medications and supplements/vitamins, including common ones sold over the counter can cause serious complications, so it's important for health care providers to have an up-to-date medication and supplement list before prescribing. 

Molnupiravir (brand name Lagevrio) 

• Must be taken within 5 days of your first COVID-19 symptom 
• Must be 18 years or older 
• The CDC recommends that this drug should be used when other treatments aren’t available 

Intravenous Injections: 

Remdesivir (brand name Velurky) 

• Given over 3 consecutive days 
• Must be given within 7 days of your first COVID-19 symptom 
• Available for children and adults. Children are eligible if they are: 28 days or older, weigh at least 7 pounds, test positive for COVID, and are at high risk of severe disease are eligible 

Call your doctor right away to learn about your treatment options.