COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Updates

State Resources

Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Information
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Timeline: Phase Overview
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

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May 18, 2021 Update

There have been recent announcements regarding the state’s vaccination progress and reopening plans that are summarized below.

Reopening & Face Covering Guidance

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open to 100% capacity, the face covering order will be replaced with new guidance, and the gathering limit will be rescinded. 

Updated face covering guidance will recommend that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except in certain situations. Face masks will still be required:

• For all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations);
• In healthcare facilities and provider settings, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day service settings; and
• Indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.

Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings.

State of Emergency Order

The State of Emergency​ will end on June 15.

The Legislature plans to work with the Baker Administration and municipal partners before the end of the State of Emergency to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation over the past year.

Vaccination Progress

To date, 75% of Massachusetts adults (about 4 million residents) have received at least one dose, with 3.2 million adults fully vaccinated.

While recognizing this progress, we also need to put even more energy and resources into connecting with communities where there is vaccine hesitancy or barriers to accessing vaccines.

As a reminder, there are several ways to get the vaccine if you haven’t already:

• Preregister and be notified via phone, text, or email about available appointments at a mass vaccination location: https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov
• Use VaxFinder to find available appointments at other locations across the state: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov
• Many locations are now taking walk-in appointments – you can call or check the location’s website to verify.

If you are age 75 or older, your local Council on Aging can also assist you in booking an appointment!

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These are big steps towards operating at a new normal and after a difficult year full of fear and isolation for many, some will remain cautious as restrictions are lifted. I encourage all of you to be respectful of others’ levels of comfort as you reconnect with family, friends, and the community.
 
The best way to reconnect safely is to get vaccinated—and washing your hands regularly and getting tested when you feel sick also remain vital tools to keeping everyone safe.

For past COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Updates from me, click the dates below:

May 18, 2021
April 28, 2021
April 7, 2021
March 17, 2021
March 11, 2021
March 3, 2021
February 25, 2021
February 24, 2021
February 17, 2021
February 5, 2021
January 27, 2021
January 22, 2021
January 16, 2021

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