COVID-19 Vaccinations

All people 5 years and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and all people 12 years and older are eligible for COVID-19 boosters. COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, no matter your immigration or health insurance status. Please note that all minors 5-15 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and all minors 16-17 years old must have parental/guardian permission. If you need help accessing a COVID-19 vaccine, including help with transportation or language interpretation, please call 311 (617-666-3311). 

Where to Get a COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster

• Somerville CHA Vaccine Center
  • 176 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA
  • Mon, Tues: 11:00 am - 6:30 pm, Wed, Thur, Fri: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, and some Saturdays
  • Walk-ins accepted as supply allows. Make an appointment here or call 211.
• Search for vaccination sites anywhere in MA at vaxfinder.mass.gov or call 211. 
• Check with your primary care provider. CHA and Mass General Brigham have vaccine sites in Somerville. CHA patients should call their CHA clinic or sign up on MyChart for an appointment.  Mass General Brigham patients can sign up on the Patient Gateway. 
• 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.

COVID-19 Booster Doses

Boosters have been approved for all people aged 12 years and up. 

You are eligible for a booster if:

• You received your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 5 months ago
• You received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago
• If you are 18 years and older you can receive a booster dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of which type of COVID-19 vaccine you previously received. 
• If you are 12-17 years old, you can get a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine only.

You are eligible for a second booster dose if you:

• You received your third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago AND you are 50 years or older;
• You received your third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months ago AND you are 12 years or older AND are immunocompromised.
• You received your second dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least four months ago.

Please consult this CDC guide on boosters for more information.

COVID-19 Primary Doses and Boosters for Immunocompromised Individuals

Individuals 5 years and older that are moderately to severely immunocompromised should receive an additional (third) primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they previously received two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. In addition to a third primary dose, immunocompromised individuals should also receive a booster dose. If you are immunocompromised, please consult this CDC guide on COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised individuals.

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

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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

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As of Thursday, November 4, 2021, coronavirus vaccinations are open to everyone in Massachusetts 5 years of age and older.

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Updated 1/20/2022

The City issued a vaccine requirement for all full-time and part-time benefitted City employees (1,038) last fall. We’re happy to report that the overwhelming majority complied. A total of 30 medical and religious exemptions were requested and granted, and fewer than five employees were disciplined. The rest of our full-time and part-time benefitted workforce is now fully vaccinated and better protected from the virus. For information on where to get vaccinated, click on the Get Vaccinated! tab on this page.

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Updated 1/10/2022

The CDC has authorized Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for people 12-15 years old at least five months after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  

Additionally, the CDC is now recommending that all individuals 12 years and older get a booster shot five months after their second dose of the Pfizer of Moderna vaccine.

More information is available on the CDC website here.

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Updated 12/13/2021

The CDC has authorized Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for 16 and 17-year-olds at least six months after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  More information is available on the CDC website here.

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Updated 11/23/2021

Booster shots now available for everyone 18+: The Centers for Disease Control has approved COVID-19 booster shots for all adults. That means if you are age 18 and you are at least six months past your second shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months past the date of your Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you can immediately get a COVID-19 booster shot at any medical facility or pharmacy where boosters are being offered. 

The boosters are strongly recommended as a way to bolster immunity. This is important because immunity from the initial doses wanes over time. The state has put together a list of frequently-asked questions about booster shots:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-booster-frequently-asked-questions. The three main things to know is they are safe, free, and available regardless of your citizenship status.

Where to get boosters and initial vaccines: Boosters will be an important part of lessening the spread of the disease during the upcoming winter months. Our suggestion for the first place to try is the Somerville CHA Vaccine Center in the Target shopping plaza near Union Square. Appointments are required ― pre-register here. CHA offers boosters for all vaccine types in addition to initial COVID-19 vaccines for everyone age 5+.One tip when getting a booster shot: bring your vaccine card with you for faster processing. Other options include local pharmacies (pre-registration may be necessary), your primary care provider, vaxfinder.mass.gov, and calling 211.

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Updated 11/4/2021

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized by federal authorities for children ages 5 to 11. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children ages 5 and older be vaccinated against the disease. The CDC has extensive information available for parents who have questions about having their child vaccinated. According to the CDC, “although children are at a lower risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 compared with adults, children can:

• Be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19;
• Get very sick from COVID-19;
• Have both short- and long-term health complications from COVID-19;
• Spread COVID-19 to others.”

Local options for COVID-19 vaccination of 5-11-year-olds include the following. Please note all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for vaccination:

• Vaccination appointments are available at the Somerville CHA Vaccine Center at 176 Somerville Ave. (next to the Union Square Target) will start offering pediatric doses on Monday, November 8  
• Pediatrician offices: please check with your health provider
• Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov to search for pediatric Pfizer vaccine locations in Massachusetts, or click here to see locations in Somerville.
• School-sponsored clinics at Somerville K-8 school sites, which will be announced to Somerville Public School parents and guardians by the schools
• City-sponsored clinics, which will be announced at somervillema.gov/vaccine and somervillema.gov, as well as via other City communications channels including these alerts

For the most up-to-date information, please check the State website at mass.gov/covid or mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccinations-for-children-ages-5-11. 

Booster shots of all COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the CDC. The CDC has also approved “mixing and matching” booster shots, so you can get a booster of any of the COVID-19 vaccines regardless of what type of COVID-19 vaccine you previously received.  

• If you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine: Everyone who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is eligible to get a booster at least two months after their initial shot. You can receive a booster of Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, or Moderna.
• If you received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine: You are eligible for a booster shot at least six months after your 2nd dose if you are: 
  • 65 years or older
  • Age 18+ and live in long-term care settings
  • Age 18+ and have underlying medical conditions
  • Age 18+ and work or live in high-risk settings

You can receive a booster of Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, or Moderna.
Please keep in mind the eligibility categories may change in the future. If you are not sure if you are eligible for a booster, consult with your doctor or check CDC recommendations. To get a booster shot, you may walk in or schedule an appointment at most local pharmacies or vaccination sites, including the CHA Somerville Vaccine Center. You can search for specific locations at vaxfinder.mass.gov, talk to your healthcare provider about your options for a booster shot, or call 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 if you need assistance in finding a location to receive a booster vaccine.

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Updated 09/27/2021

The FDA and CDC have approved booster shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for some populations. Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots are now available to:

• Individuals 65 years of age and older.
• Individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions as defined by the CDC.
• Individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings.

Individuals in these categories are eligible to receive a Pfizer booster shot at least 6 months after their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. You can check your eligibility at mass.gov/BoosterCheck.. 

How to get your Pfizer COVID-19 booster:

• Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov and select the box 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.
• Make an appointment with the CHA Somerville Vaccine Center  

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

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Updated 8/21/2021

On August 13, the FDA and CDC approved third doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine for certain individuals who have received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and are moderately to severely immunocompromised. If you believe you may be eligible for a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, please consult with your doctor. 

At this time, the FDA and CDC have not approved booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine for  individuals who are not moderately to severely immunocompromised, or who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.For more information, see CDC.gov.

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Updated 5/26/2021

• Somervillians are getting vaccinated: 71.2% of the city’s residents (54,161 people) are fully or partially vaccinated. The vaccination rate among women is 73.7%, while it’s 68.6% for men. By age group: 20-29 (75.9%), 30-49 (85.6%), 50-64 (79%), 65-74 (85.7%), 75+ (84.6%). We hope to keep the momentum going. The CDC has even put together helpful tips on how to talk to people who are hesitant to get the vaccine.

• Walk-in vaccinations available at multiple locations: You now can get a COVID-19 vaccination without having to pre-register or make an appointment. There are walk-in vaccination sites all around Somerville, and just outside it as well. Cambridge Health Alliance vaccine clinics have larger supplies of doses and can vaccinate kids ages 12-17. You DO NOT need to be a CHA patient to use these clinics. They are free and open to all. Local CVS pharmacies and the Stop & Shop on McGrath Hwy are also offering walk-in vaccines. Local Walgreens pharmacies require a brief pre-registration, but can process people quickly if they have open slots and you walk in. Here are the CHA walk-in sites:
  • CHA Somerville Vaccine Center at 176 Somerville Avenue in Somerville, Mon.- Thurs. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • Tufts University Gantcher Center at 161 College Ave. in Medford, Wed-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Encore Boston Harbor at 1 Broadway Center in Everett, Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Parental/Guardian consent required for children age 12-17: Individuals younger than 18 will need parental or guardian consent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A parent or guardian can either accompany a minor age 16 or 17 to their vaccine appointment, or fill out a consent form that the minor can then bring with them to the appointment. Consent forms in multiple languages are available at the State’s website. Parents MUST accompany children ages 12-15 to their vaccine appointments.

• Mobile vaccine clinics start next week: The first clinic will be held from 3:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 3 at the Somerville Housing Authority site at 530 Mystic Ave. This is a walk-in clinic, but if you would like to pre-register a link will be posted later in the week at somervillema.gov/vaccine. The vaccines are free, no ID or health insurance is required, and vaccines are available to everyone age 12+ regardless of immigration status. Many more mobile clinic sites will follow. Sign up for vaccine clinic alerts at:
  • English: http://form.jotform.com/210208073769052
  • Spanish: https://form.jotform.com/210277598086163
  • Portuguese: https://form.jotform.com/210277866084159
  • Haitian Creole: https://form.jotform.com/210284048335148
  • Nepali: https://form.jotform.com/210277820055147

• Make sure to get your second dose: Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses to provide maximum protection against the COVID-19 virus. The Pfizer vaccine requires a three-week interval between shots while the Moderna vaccine requires a four-week interval. It is quite common for vaccines to require more than one dose to convey maximum effectiveness. Not everyone gets the same level of immunity from their first dose and the second dose conveys a significantly increased degree of protection. Learn more.

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Updated 5/17/2021

Residents age 12 and up are now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Please note that only the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for minors. Anyone under 18 getting a vaccine will need parent or guardian permission. Visit mass.gov/vaccine for more information.

Many vaccine sites, including the CHA site at 176 Somerville Ave. and the Gantcher Center at 161 College Ave. in Medford now accept walk-ins. You can also visit vaxfinder.mass.gov to find other walk-in sites or to schedule an appointment.

The City of Somerville is also available to help those who face barriers to accessing vaccines including needing transportation or language assistance. If you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine and need help accessing a vaccine, please call 311.

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Updated 5/5/2021

As part of a new regional vaccine collaborative launched by Cambridge Health Alliance, Tufts University, and nine communities including Somerville, new COVID-19 vaccination sites are now open or will open as early as next week:

• Open Now: Tufts University Gantcher Center, 161 College Ave in Medford
• Open Now: Encore Boston Harbor, 1 Broadway Center in Everett
• Open Soon: CHA Somerville (next to Target), 176 Somerville Ave in Somerville

You can sign up for an appointment at these sites here: home.color.com/vaccine/register/metronorth or by calling 211. If you need assistance making an appointment, or with transportation to a vaccine appointment, please call 311 (617-666-3311).

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Updated 4/19/2021

If you are eligible, you can seek an appointment right away at mass.gov/vaccine or call 211 for assistance booking. You can search for the vaccine sites and appointment availability statewide at vaxfinder.mass.gov. Keep in mind that phone wait times may be long, so please be patient.

Check with your medical provider to find out if they are offering the vaccine. Some hospitals, health centers, and medical providers are vaccinating patients.

If you need additional help, let us know. City staff are available to help those who face barriers to accessing vaccines including needing transportation or language assistance. If you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine and need help accessing the vaccine, please call 311 at 617-666-3311.

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Updated 4/5/2021

As of Monday, April 5, 2021, the following groups are eligible to receive the vaccine:

• All individuals in phase 1 
• All individuals 55 years or older and people with one certain medical condition
• All individuals 75 years or older
• All individuals 60 years or older
• All individuals with 2 or more certain health conditions
• Residents and staff of low income and affordable senior housing
• All K-12 educators, child care workers, and K-12 school staff 
• Certain workers

The Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) has also announced the dates that additional phases will be eligible for the vaccine:

• Monday, April 19: All people age 16 or older will be eligible. 
• Please see mass.gov/vaccine for a full list of individuals currently eligible to be vaccinated.

You can also check your eligibility at mass.gov/vaccine.This schedule is subject to change.

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Updated 4/2/2021

Updated Information on Eligibility - Cities of Somerville and Revere Announce COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for Veterans, April 3

The City of Somerville Office of Veterans’ Services, in partnership with the Revere Office of Veterans’ Services and the VA Boston Healthcare System, have announced a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for Veterans of all ages. The clinic will take place on Saturday, April 3, from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Beachmont Post 6712 located at 150 Bennington Street, Revere, MA 02151. 

Due to the recent passage of the SAVE LIVES ACT VA Boston will now be able to vaccinate the spouses of Veterans, caregivers, CHAMPVA recipients, and Veterans who are not enrolled in the VA Healthcare System. Vaccines will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and no registration or sign-up is required.

“It was imperative that we create a multi-faceted strategy to reach the Veterans population by bringing vaccinations directly into impacted communities and offering an exclusive COVID-19 clinic for Veterans of all ages,” said Somerville Director of Veterans’ Services Ted Louis-Jacques. “This partnership is indicative of the fundamental changes that can happen when you provide access, break down barriers, and close equity gaps for the people who need it most.”
Marc Silvestri, Director of Veterans Services for the City of Revere, added, “I know first hand how challenging the last year has been, but now with the vaccine, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am proud to be working in collaboration with the VA Boston and VFW post 6712 in Beachmont to bring a vaccination clinic to Revere. We have been working diligently to make this happen, and it’s an honor to work together in vaccinating our Veterans. As leaders and trusted members of the community, we need to lead by example and get vaccinated. I am excited for April 3rd and hope to see you there!”

The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccine will be offered at the clinic. Individuals who receive the Moderna vaccine will be scheduled to receive the second dose on May 1, 2021. A second dose is not needed for the Janssen vaccine. 

For further details or questions, contact Ted Louis-Jacques, City of Somerville Director of Veterans’ Services at tjacques@somervillema.gov. The City of Somerville is also available to help those who face barriers to accessing vaccines including needing transportation or language assistance. If you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine and need help accessing the vaccine, please call 311 (617-666-3311).

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Updated 3/19/2021

Full Vaccine Schedule Released; People 60+ and Some Workers Eligible 3/22

• The State announced when all remaining groups will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Monday, March 22: People age 60 or older and certain workers will be eligible. Eligible workers include those in restaurants and cafes, food service, retail, grocery and convenience stores, transportation, housekeepers, and more. See the full list here.
  • Monday, April 5: People age 55 or older and people with one certain medical condition will be eligible. See the full list of medical conditions here.
  • Monday, April 19: People age 16 or older will be eligible.
  • Please see mass.gov/vaccine for a full list of individuals currently eligible to be vaccinated.

To book an appointment at a State site, visit mass.gov/vaccine or call 211. You can search for the vaccine sites and appointment availability statewide at vaxfinder.mass.gov. Keep in mind that phone wait times may be long, so please be patient. 

• Anyone accompanying someone 75 or older to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment at State sites are also eligible to get vaccinated. Anyone accompanying a senior to their vaccine appointment must have an appointment scheduled at the same site, on the same day, as the senior they are accompanying. To check eligibility and make an appointment at a State site, visit mass.gov/vaccine or or call 211. Keep in mind that phone wait times may be long, so please be patient.
• The City of Somerville is also available to help those who face barriers to accessing vaccines including needing transportation or language assistance. If you are currently eligible to receive a vaccine and need help accessing the vaccine, please call 311.
• How to get the latest vaccine information: Vaccination information is changing quickly. We’re going to keep sending out these weekly emails, which will include vaccine information, but if you want the latest news and information on appointment availability, here’s where to look:
  • The State’s website: The State’s COVID vaccine website is updated often with statewide information.To find out when and where you can get vaccinated, 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 Vaccine Info Line: The City of Somerville has launched phone lines that residents can call to listen to recorded updates on COVID-19 vaccine information. 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 

• You can 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, please visit somervillema.gov/covidvaccine, and select “Sign Up to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Information and City Alerts” on this page, 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.

For more in-depth answers to your questions about the COVID-19 Vaccines, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions.

Resources

• Massachusetts COVID-19 Site 
• CDC COVID-19 Information

Videos

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine from local health care professionals and hear from the experiences of Somerville community members who have been vaccinated. You can view all videos on the Somerville GovTV YouTube Channel.