Key things to know about the COVID-19 vaccines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
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All of the COVID-19 vaccines show promise in reducing severity of disease
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It typically takes two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19; you are not fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the 2nd dose of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a one-dose
vaccine
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Individuals 5 years of age and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can get vaccinated; people 18+ can get any vaccine
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Massachusetts children ages 12 to 17 are currently eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; learn more at COVID-19 vaccinations for people ages 12-17
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The CDC currently recommends a third primary dose for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Immunocompromised people should also get a booster shot; those eligible for an additional primary shot should get that dose before they receive a booster shot
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Use the Massachusetts VaxFinder to search for a vaccination location and view appointment availability. Walk-ins are also being welcomed at many locations
The Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Initiative works with the populations and communities
hardest hit by COVID-19 to increase awareness and acceptance of the vaccine, access to vaccination locations, and vaccine administration rates. The approach is driven by community needs and is centered on equity, a core pillar of the state’s vaccine
distribution plan, and is informed by the state’s COVID-19 Health Equity Advisory Group and the Vaccine Advisory Group.
