COVID Updates

(updated 3/31/22) Second booster doses were authorized by the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC is updating its guidance.  Learn more.  

Massachusetts has reduced its mask mandate; however, masking is still a way to protect people who are vulnerable to severe illness. COVID vaccines are still the best protection against getting severely ill with COVID-19. Find a place to get vaccinated and boosted!  Make sure you follow strong prevention measures and use testing as a preventive and proactive tool. 

As doctors and scientists continue to learn more about COVID, updated guidance and information will continue to be provided. We don’t know exactly what comes next in this pandemic. We do know that COVID is not over, but there are effective public health tools and practices that will help us continue to navigate and reduce the risks of the pandemic. As you shift to your new normal, continue to use these important tools to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Who can get vaccinated

All people age 5 years and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can be vaccinated. Children ages 5-17 can receive the Pfizer vaccine. People age 18 and older can receive any vaccine. Learn more.

 

Booster shots are now available for anyone over the age of 12. All fully-vaccinated individuals eligible for a booster are strongly recommended to get the booster dose to maintain protection against COVID infection. Some people are even eligible for a second booster. Learn more. 

Where Can I get Vaccinated?

  • COVID-19 Vaccine Finder:  Search vaccine locations across Massachusetts using your zip code. You can search by vaccine type as well as booster.  This site will list all availability at local clinics, pharmacies, mass vaccination sites, and more. ​​​​​
  • Vaccine Clinics in Springfield: See listing of vaccine clinics and pop-ups in Springfield.
  • Vaccine clinics in Franklin County, Hampshire County, and Berkshire County. 
  • If you are seeking a vaccine appointment for children 5-11 years old, you can also contact your pediatrician.

Scheduling & Transportation Support

Scheduling Assistance:

Transportation Assistance:

  • Check out these free or low-cost options that you may qualify for.
  • PVTA offers a list of COVID-19 vaccination sites in the PVTA service area and which bus routes service them.
  • Behavioral Health Network (BHN), in partnership with Gandara, can provide assistance with transportation to and from a vaccine appointment. To make arrangements, email covidvaccine@bhninc.org or call (413) 301-9327.
  • COVID-19 Homebound Vaccination Program: Any individual who has trouble getting to a vaccine site is eligible for the homebound program. Individuals can call (833) 983-0485 to register for an in-home vaccination. The registration phone line is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and has representatives who speak English and Spanish, as well as translation services available in 100+ languages.

Vaccine Information Sources

I've been vaccinated, Now what?

Massachusetts has loosened the statewide mask requirements. Individuals, whether vaccinated or not, are no longer required to wear mask. Local municipalities, public transportation systems, and school districts may still set mask mandates for other settings. Check with a local board of health, transportation company, or school district for more information.

The CDC still recommends:

  • Wearing masks on public transportation and depending on your Community Level of risk. ​​​​​​​
  • Wearing high filtration masks (N95, KN95, and KF94) are recommended to offer the best protection against the omicron variant.
  • Fully vaccinated people who exhibit symptoms or have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should get tested 5-7 days after exposure, and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.

If you have symptoms, get tested and follow all precautions.

Any individual who has had a close contacts or who has tested positive must follow the Department of Public Health's isolation and quarantine guidance, which includes isolating or quarantining for a minimum of 5 days, followed by wearing a mask in public for 5 more days after they leave isolation or quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.  

If you test positive and have mild-moderate symptoms, you may be eligible for treatments to reduce the risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization. Learn more. 

Additional Resources:

Vaccine records

Lost Vaccination Card? 

Depending on the location the vaccines were received, there are several options on how to request a copy of your COVID vaccine record. Learn more here. 

The following are both options for all individuals regardless of the type of site that they were vaccinated at:

Electronic Record

Massachusetts residents can access their COVID-19 vaccination record from the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS) and obtain a 'SMART Health Card' QR code to indicate proof of vaccination.  The web portal follows national standards for security and privacy, and provides residents a way to electronically view and save their COVID vaccine record. Get started here by providing your email or phone number.