Graphic by Audrey Kim
Constantinos Zacharakis
News Section Editor
On April 19, Massachusetts will grant COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to the general public, allowing anyone age 16 and older to get vaccinated.
Massachusetts is currently in Phase 2 of vaccine rollout. Phase 2 states that only people age 60 and older, K-12 educators, those with two or more medical conditions, and certain workers—in the food industry, court system, or transportation workers, for example—are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. More information on eligibility as a worker can be found here, on Massachusetts’ COVID vaccine info website.
However, beginning on April 5, Phase 2 eligibility will expand to those with only one medical condition—information on which medical conditions are eligible can be found here.
As mentioned above, Phase 3, beginning on April 19, allows those not eligible under any of the aforementioned categories to qualify for a vaccine.
It is important to note that currently, the only vaccine approved for 16- and 17-year olds is the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Studies are underway for safety and effectiveness in younger children using all three vaccines—Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.
Massachusetts has initiated a pre-registration system that allows people to essentially receive weekly status updates until there is an available vaccine appointment for them (at one of Massachusetts’ mass vaccination sites). Mass vaccination sites include Gillette Stadium, Hynes Convention Center, and the Natick Mall.
Anyone wishing to preregister for the COVID-19 vaccine should visit this link, where they will be asked to input their personal information—such as name, address, date of birth, contact information, and information regarding their eligibility. Once registered, the user will receive an update by text, phone, or email regarding their vaccination eligibility and appointment availability status.
Appointments for mass vaccination sites are currently difficult to obtain; that being said, people eager to get vaccinated should also look into getting an appointment at a CVS location once they are eligible. Information regarding CVS vaccination can be found here.
As more people get vaccinated, it may be tempting for students to begin easing their levels of caution in terms of mask-wearing or social distancing. It is crucial to remain cautious and continue protecting yourself and others, especially if you or someone else is not yet fully vaccinated.
