COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Shots

You can continue to check this page for updates, or you can check the  Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Information website. You may also sign up to receive COVID-19 and vaccine alerts.

As stated on the Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Information website:

A vaccine will not be distributed in Massachusetts until the FDA determines the vaccine is safe.

It’s important to know that vaccines go through more testing than any other pharmaceuticals.  Before any vaccine is made available, it must go through rigorous development and testing. Manufacturing is critical — every dose must consistently be high quality. Additionally, extensive testing in clinical trials is conducted to prove safety.  First, small groups of people receive the trial vaccine. Next, vaccine is given to people with particular characteristics (e.g., age and physical health). Then, vaccine is given to tens of thousands of people and tested for effectiveness and safety.

After that, the data is reviewed by the FDA which approves the vaccine, and by an independent board, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) which will make its recommendations for use.  These bodies are the final safeguards for the public ensuring any vaccine is both safe and effective.

The vaccine is being provided free of charge to all individuals by the federal government.  Insurance companies are also committed to not charging any out-of-pocket fees or co-payments related to the COVID-19 vaccine administration charge.  All healthcare provider sites that receive COVID-19 vaccine must agree to not charge patients any out-of-pocket fees or deny anyone vaccination services regardless of their ability to pay. 

Visit these frequently updated CDC web pages on COVID-19 vaccination:

• Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
• How COVID-19 Vaccines Work
• Myths and Misconceptions about COVID-19 Vaccines
• Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination