Vaccines

The City of Somerville follows ACIP/CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health vaccination recommendations. You can learn more about each vaccine recommendation at DPH recommended guidance for vaccines | Mass.gov

About influenza (flu) vaccines:

"Flu shots” protect against the four influenza viruses researchers believe will be most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines are given with a needle, usually in the arm, but there are also is a nasal spray flu vaccines available. Find out more about flu shots from the CDC.  

Everyone 6 months and older should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season. A full list of age and health factors that confer increased risk is available at People at Higher Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications. The CDC has information on who should and should NOT get a flu Vaccine. 

About COVID-19 vaccines: 

The City of Somerville follows the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, aligning with those of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative Recommendations for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine. 

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all children 6-23 months 

All children ages 6-23 months should be vaccinated. 

Recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19 for children 2-18 years 

Children and adolescents ages 2-18 years who fall within one of the following subgroups should be vaccinated: 

• At high risk for severe COVID-19 (Table 1)
• Living in a long-term care facility or other congregate setting o Have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
• Whose household members are at high risk for severe COVID-19

Healthy children and adolescents 2 - 18 years, who do not fall into the categories above, may be vaccinated.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all adults 19-64 years

All adults 19-64 years are recommended to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes the following groups of adults 19-64 years who should be vaccinated: 

• Persons with risk factors for severe COVID-19 disease (e.g., chronic conditions, immunocompromised status)
• Persons at higher risk of exposure (e.g., healthcare workers, congregate care settings)
• Persons who are who are household contacts of persons at high risk of severe disease 

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all adults 65 years or older 

All adults 65 years and older should be vaccinated.

Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for all pregnant persons

People who are pregnant, contemplating pregnancy or have recently been pregnant and those who are lactating should be vaccinated.

• Vaccination may occur in any trimester.
• For lactating individuals, there is no need to stop or delay breastfeeding.
• There is no need to delay pregnancy following a COVID-19 vaccine.

Immunocompromised individuals should have a conversation with their primary care provider about additional doses needed.

Complete Guidance from Mass.gov (external link)

Protect Yourself & Your Community: COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines Available in Somerville

The best way to reduce your risk from these respiratory viruses and their potentially serious complications is to get a flu and Covid-19 vaccine every year. Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are conveniently offered at multiple locations across Somerville, improving access for all residents with no out-of-pocket costs. Please note:

• Vaccines are also offered to residents without health insurance.
• If you do have health insurance, please bring proof of coverage.
• Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
• Walk-in appointments are limited.
• See below for a vaccine clinic near you and help keep Somerville safe and healthy! 

Vaccines Offered:

• Influenza (flu) (for anyone age 6 months and older)
• High-Dose Influenza (for ages 65+)
• COVID-19 (ages 6 months and older per guidance) 

Please note that clinics are unable to unable to accommodate vaccine manufacturer preferences. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at the City clinics listed below (see table).

In addition to the upcoming City of Somerville vaccination clinics above, you can get your vaccinations from local pharmacies or your doctor. Note, these options may include a fee, based on your health insurance.

Search for providers at vaccines.gov.

CHA and Mass General Brigham have vaccine sites in Somerville. CHA patients can make a vaccine appointment using MyCHArt or calling their primary care clinic.  Mass General Brigham patients can sign up on the Patient Gateway.

You can find vaccination sites in Massachusetts by calling 211, a free information and referral service to health and human services that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.