COVID Updates

(1/19/22) The Omicron variant is highly contagious. Although vaccine efficiacy is reduced to 30-40% at preventing infection, vaccines are still the best protection against getting severely ill with COVID-19. Find a place to get vaccinated (Spanish) and get your booster shot if eligible! 

Breakthrough cases are happening with Omicron. Testing is another important tool for keeping you and your loved ones safe. Make sure you follow strong prevention measures (Spanish). Find more information about testing in western MA on our new Testing Resources page. Access free rapid tests here. Here’s what to do if you test positive. 

Upgrade your mask. It's recommended that you wear a N95, KN95, or KF94 mask for best protection. 

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. 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?

The Department of Public Health has issued a mask advisory in light of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance. Fully vaccinated individuals are advised to wear a mask or face covering indoors when outside of your home if you have a weakened immune system, are at increased risk for COVID-19 or if someone in your household is at increased risk or unvaccinated. 

Masks continue to be required in certain settings, whether you are vaccinated or not:

  • On public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, PVTA, passenger trains, and transportation stations),
  • Inside K-12 public schools, collaborative, approved special education schools,Inside childcare programs,
  • In health care facilities and provider offices,
  • In congregate care settings,
  • In health care and rehabilitative day services and programs.

CDC Guidance

  • High filtration masks (N95, KN95, and KF94) are recommended to offer the best protection against the omicron variant.
  • It is recommended that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
  • Fully vaccinated people might choose to wear a mask regardless of level of transmission, particularly if they are immunocompromised or at increased risk for severe disease from COVID-19, or if they have someone in their household who is immunocompromised, at increased risk of severe disease or not fully vaccinated.
  • Fully vaccinated people who is exhibiting 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.
  • CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to schools, regardless of vaccination status.

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.