COVID-19 Vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccinations are open to everyone in Massachusetts 6 months of age and older

• Local Pharmacies
  • Walk-in appointments available as supply allows. Pre-registration is recommended. Check with your local pharmacy for pharmacy hours.
•  Check with your primary care provider. CHA and Mass General Brigham have vaccine sites in Somerville. CHA patients should call the CHA vaccine hotline at  (617) 665-1995 or sign up on MyChart for an appointment.  Mass General Brigham patients can sign up on the Patient Gateway. 
• Search for vaccination sites anywhere in MA at vaxfinder.mass.gov or call 211 
• Sign up for City of Somerville vaccine alerts to get the latest local information and learn when mobile vaccine clinics are coming to your neighborhood.

Where to Get a COVID-19 Booster

People age 5 and older who completed their primary series at least 5 months ago (2 months for Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine) are eligible for a booster dose. People age 50 and older, or age 12 and older with underlying medical conditions, are eligible for a second booster dose at least 4 months after their first booster dose. 

To get a booster shot, you can:

• Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov and select “Booster Dose” to search for vaccine booster locations in the state of Massachusetts
• Call 2-1-1 to find a location convenient to you. Language Interpretation is available.

For more information, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Booster FAQ.

Need assistance?

Call 311 (617-666-3311). City staff are available to help those who face barriers to accessing vaccines including needing transportation or language assistance. 

Sign Up to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Information and City Alerts

Español  |  Portugues  |  Kreyol Ayisyen  |  नेपाली

Stay informed about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Somerville by signing up for vaccine alerts. Through the alert system, the City of Somerville will notify residents when, where, and how to get vaccinated according to the vaccine phases determined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. You can also stay informed by checking this website (somervillema.gov/covidvaccine) and mass.gov/vaccine.

You can learn more about the vaccine by visiting the “Videos and Resources” tab to hear from local health care experts discussing common questions and concerns about the vaccine.

How to get the latest vaccine information:

• Vaccination information is changing quickly. If you want the latest news and information on appointment availability, here’s where to look:
  • The State’s website: visit mass.gov/covidvaccine. You can search for the vaccine sites and appointment availability statewide at vaxfinder.mass.gov. 
  • The City of Somerville website: Visit somervillema.gov/covidvaccine (this page) for vaccine updates, info sessions, and FAQs.
  • Call the City's Vaccine Info Lines: Call one of the lines below to listen to the latest update in your language:
    • English Vaccine Info Line: 617-591-3251 
    • Spanish Vaccine Info Line: 617-591-3252 
    • Portuguese Vaccine Info Line: 617-591-3253 
    • Haitian Creole Vaccine Info Line: 617-591-3254 
    • Nepali Vaccine Info Line: 617-591-3255 
• Sign up to receive occasional phone calls updating you on the latest COVID-19 vaccine information, including where and how to get a vaccine. To subscribe, visit somervillema.gov/covidvaccine, and select “Sign Up to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Information and City Alerts”, or call 311. If you are already signed up to receive email and text notifications through the City’s alert system you will also get this information. Again, this for people who would prefer to get vaccine updates via phone call.

Your primary care physician or health provider may also have guidance for you about when and how to get the vaccine, and opportunities to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Weekly updates on state and local vaccine news including changes to the state rollout plan, the progress of vaccination statewide, and policy updates.

• April 2
• March 25
• March 19
• March 12
• March 5
• February 26
• February 25
• February 19
• February 5
• February 12

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Kids?
January 24, 2022
Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha, CHA's Chief of Infectious Disease, and Dr. Traci Brooks, Interim Chief of Pediatrics, discuss the COVID vaccine, how COVID is impacting children, and counter many of the myths circulating. 

COVID and Kids -- Addressing Myths Around the Vaccine and More
January 24, 2022
Dr. Traci Brooks, Interim Chief of Pediatrics, explains all you need to know about the COVID vaccine and your children. This easy to understand presentation answers your questions and dispels myths.

COVID-19 Breakthroughs and Boosters
October 15, 2021
Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha from Cambridge Health Alliance shares the latest about the Covid-19 vaccines at CHA's Lunch and Learn.

COVID-19, Vaccines, and Kids - Quick Takes #1
July 13, 2021
Dr. Ashish Jha speaks about the importance of vaccination against COVID-19 in this excerpt from the City of Somerville's virtual panel discussion: "Keeping Our Kids Safe and the COVID-19 Vaccine".

COVID-19, Vaccines, and Kids - Quick Takes #2
July 13, 2021
Dr. Julia Koehler of Boston Children's Hospital speaks about the effects of COVID-19 in kids in this excerpt from the City of Somerville's virtual panel discussion: "Keeping Our Kids Safe and the COVID-19 Vaccine”. 

COVID-19, Vaccines, and Kids - Quick Takes #3
July 13, 2021
Dr. Treneice Lewis Harris of Cambridge Health Alliance speaks about the mental health impacts of the pandemic and the vaccination process for children and teens in this excerpt from the City of Somerville's panel discussion: "Keeping Our Kids Safe and the COVID-19 Vaccine".

Keeping Our Kids Safe and the COVID-19 Vaccine
June 29, 2021
A discussion with leading public and pediatric health experts this evening on the importance of getting everyone, including children, vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

City of Somerville COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A
April 14, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A hosted by the Somerville Health and Human Services Department and the Cambridge Health Alliance.  

Vax Facts: MassSupport Hosts the Experts
March 11, 2021
A webinar with MassSupport and local health care experts about COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, safety, and side effects; virus variants; and what all that means in terms of an end to the pandemic. 

Getting to Yes! Cambridge Health Alliance Discussion About the COVID 19 Vaccine
March 1, 2021
CHA employees and a pastor host an honest discussion about COVID-19 vaccines, where they got information to help them make decisions about getting vaccinated, and how they overcame their hesitancy to get vaccinated.

Greater Than Covid: Hello Black America! with W. Kamau Bell & Black Health Care Workers
THE CONVERSATION: Between Us, About Us kicks off with an open and honest conversation between W. Kamau Bell and Black doctors, nurses and researchers that gets to the heart of Black people’s questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. More resources available here. 

COVID Vaccine Q&A
February 22, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A hosted by the Somerville Public Library with Dr. Kathe Miller and Mary Cassesso from Cambridge Health Alliance, and Director of Health and Human Services for the City of Somerville, Doug Kress.This video is also available on the City of Somerville Facebook.

Podcast: Should I Get the Covid 19 Vaccine? How Safe Is It?
February 7, 2021
The COTI Show hosted by Clarence Ismey speaks with guests Ted Louis Jacques, Director of the Veteran Affairs for the City of Somerville, Sonnly Ribourg, Physician Assistant at the Cambridge Health Alliance, and Steph Aman, community liaison for the City of Somerville. Listen to the conversation about the COVID-19 Vaccine and what is being done to protect the local community. This episode was made in collaboration with the City of Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs. 

Pregnancy and getting vaccinated -- What are you recommending to your patients?
February 5, 2021
Cambridge Health Alliance Family Medicine doctor Julia Randall, MD shares what she's telling her pregnant and breastfeeding patients about getting vaccinated. See Dr. Randall’s ther videos on this topic:

• What are the risks of getting vaccinated while pregnant?
• Should I get the COVID vaccine while I'm breastfeeding?
• Do COVID vaccines cause infertility?
• Being pregnant and getting COVID vaccine
• Getting the COVID vaccination while pregnant

Senior Circuit: COVID-19 Update 
January 25, 2021
A discussion with Council on Aging Director, Ashley Speliotis and Dr. Ken Gerweck, MD of Cambridge Health Alliance

Spanish COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A (Spanish)
April 21, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A in Spanish hosted by the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs, Somerville Public Schools, The Welcome Project, and Cambridge Health Alliance.

Nexos Somerville: The COVID-19 Vaccines and the Latino Community
April 14, 2021
On Nexos Somerville show on Radio Jornalera, Irma Flores (Office of Immigrant Affairs Spanish Community Liaison) and Dr. Julia Koelher (Boston Children’s Hospital) discuss the COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccination in the Latino Community
April 6, 2021
Conversation about the COVID-19 vaccination with Irma Flores (Office of Immigrant Affairs Spanish Community Liaison), Teresa Martines (Enroot Director), and Dr. Julia Koelher (Boston Children’s Hospital).

Public Forum: The COVID-19 Vaccine and Essential Workers
March 31, 2021
Conversation about the COVID-19 Vaccine with MassCOSH, Agencia ALPHA, and the Center to Support Immigrant Organizing.

Preguntas y Respuestas Sobre Vacunas (Spanish)
Cambridge Health Alliance is working to ensure that all patients can be vaccinated.

Vacuna Contra el COVID-19: Mitos y Verdades with the City of Somerville and CHA (Spanish)
January 19, 2021
An interview with Dr. Kris Meisinger (Cambridge Health Alliance) and Irma Flores (Office of Immigrant Affairs Spanish Community Liaison)

COVID-19 Mito y Dato (Ingrid Gamez, CHA Multicultural Affairs and Patient Services Supervisor)
February 23, 2021
Myth: If you had COVID-19, you don’t need to get vaccinated.
Fact: Even if you have had COVID-19, you should get vaccinated. It is not known for how long a person is protected after recovering from COVID-19.

COVID-19 Mito y Dato (Leda Orians, CHA Medical Interpreter)
February 23, 2021
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccines were developed very quickly, so we don’t know if they are safe.
Fact: The COVID-19 vaccines went through extensive clinical trials with more than 70,000 participants. The results were reviewed by an independent group of experts before the vaccine was approved by the FDA. The COVID-19 vaccine is as safe as other vaccines, such as the vaccine for measles.  The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. 

Who Has Questions about the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine? (Portuguese)
April 14, 2021
A live question and answer about the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and the risk of blood clots with Dr. Kris Meisinger (Cambridge Health Alliance), Adriana Fernandes (Office of Immigrant Affairs Portuguese Community Liaison), and Liliane Paiva (The Brazilian Times).

The New Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine (Portuguese)
March 3, 2021
A live question and answer about the new COVID-19 vaccine with Dr. Kris Meisinger (Cambridge Health Alliance), Adriana Fernandes (Office of Immigrant Affairs Portuguese Community Liaison), and Liliane Paiva (The Brazilian Times).

Dr. Kris from CHA Takes the Second Shot of the COVID-19 Vaccine (Portuguese)
February 19, 2021
In this video,  Liliane Paiva of the Brazilian Times interviews Dr. Kris of the Cambridge Health Alliance, right after receiving the second dose of the vaccine against COVID-19.

Quem Tem Dúvidas Sobre a Vacina Contra COVID 19? (Portuguese)
January 28, 2021
A discussion with Dr. Kris Meisinger (Cambridge Health Alliance), Adriana Fernandes (Office of Immigrant Affairs Portuguese Community Liaison), and Liliane Paiva (The Brazilian Times)

The Brazilian Women’s Group conversation on the COVID-19 Vaccine, Aging, Housing, and City Services (Portuguese).
January 28, 2021
The Brazilian Women’s Group, Adriana Fernandes (Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs Portuguese Liaison), Jamila Xible (Cambridge Health Alliance), and Somerville residents discuss the COVID-19 vaccine, aging, housing, and other city services. 

Enfòmasyon sou Vaksen Kowonaviris la. Dezyèm Pati. (Haitian Creole)
Dr. Malou Jean Baptiste tells us about the body's defense system and the composition of the vaccine, and how the vaccine works to fight the coronavirus.

Enfomasyon Sou Kowonaviris La (Haitian Creole)
February 3, 2021
Dr. Malou Jean Baptiste speaks with Jhenny Saint-Surin (Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs Haitan Creole Liaison) about the coronavirus vaccine, what it is, how the vaccine is made, and many other details about the pandemic.

Podcast: Èske mwen ta dwe pran vaksen Covid-19 la? Èske vaksen an san danje? (Haitian Creole)
February 18, 2021
The COTI Show hosted by Clarence Ismey speaks with guests Sonnly Ribourg (Physician Assistant at the Cambridge Health Alliance) and Jhenny St. Surin (Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs Haitan Creole Liaison). Listen to the conversation about the COVID-19 Vaccine and what is being done to protect the local community. This episode was made in collaboration with the City of Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Zanmi m yo, ran vaksen an, silvouplè!
February 17, 2021
Poet and Cambridge Health Alliance Haitian Creole Medical Interpreter, Eddy Toussaint, shares his vaccine experience.

Yo te teste vaksen COVID-19 sa yo sou plis pas 70,000 ameriken
February 17, 2021
Nadiege Mamousette, CHA Haitian Creole Medical Interpreter

COVID 19 Mit Vaksen An
February 12, 2021
Nagela Bonnet, CHA Multicultural Affairs and Patient Services Supervisor

कोभिड-१९ खोपहरु  (Nepali)
February 2, 2021
A discussion with Parashu Ram Phuyal (Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs Nepali Liaison) and healthcare professions including: Ruja Sharma, RN, BSN (School Nurse at the Argenziano), Shrijana Karki Thapaliya Medical Assistant (Cambridge Health Alliance), Dr. Ashok Devkota, MD (Rhode Island Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Brown University), Dr. Prajeena Mainali, D.O. (Fall River Primary Care), Dipendra Pokharel Emergency Department, PCS, (Mass General Hospital), Manikala Rai (Cambridge Health Alliance), and Tek Narayan Yadav (Cambridge Health Alliance).

Ted Louis-Jacques, Director of Veterans' Services
February 2, 2021
Director of Veterans' Services, Ted Louis-Jacques, got his COVID vaccine and tells other veterans, when able, to get one as well.

Sandra de Carvalho, Cobble Hill Resident (Portuguese)
February 7, 2021
Sandra de Carvalho, Cobble Hill resident, received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday, February 5th.

Joseph Betancourt, MD, MPH, from Massachusetts General Hospital
January 19, 2021
Joseph Betancourt, MD, MPH, MGH/MGPO Senior Vice President for Equity and Community Health, takes viewers step-by-step as he receives the first dose of his COVID-19 vaccine at Massachusetts General Hospital.

My COVID-19 Vaccination Story: Dr. Burnett-Bowie|
January 12, 2021
Sherri-Ann M. Burnett-Bowie MD, MPH, shares her experience after receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Burnett-Bowie is a clinical investigator in the Mass General Endocrine Unit, associate director of the MGH Center for Diversity and Inclusion, and director of Multicultural Affairs for the Department of Medicine.