May 6th, 2021

It’s your turn!

If you’re over the age of 16 and you live, work or study in Massachusetts, you can get now get a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you’re over the age of 16 and you live, work or study in Massachusetts, you can get now get a COVID-19 vaccine.

This is exciting news! The vaccine will help protect you from getting COVID-19. It’s also something we can all do to help end the pandemic. It is free to all who are eligible regardless of their immigration status.

How to make an appointment

You may have heard that it was difficult for many people in Massachusetts to make appointments when the vaccine first became available several months ago. Fortunately, it’s much easier to get a vaccine now. Vaccine supply has increased, and so have the ways you can make an appointment and the number of vaccination sites you can choose from.

Learn More

Tufts Health Plan

Choosing a site

Start by thinking about what works best for you. Which sites are closest to you? Can you get to them easily by car or public transportation? Is parking an issue at the site? Does the site meet your accessibility needs? Do you prefer a larger or smaller site? Does the site offer appointments at night or on weekends?

Pre-registering for mass vaccination sites

Visit VaccineSignUp.mass.gov to preregister for an appointment at a mass vaccination site. The sites in the Boston area are:

• The Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston

• The Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston

When you preregister, you’ll choose how you prefer to be notified when it’s your turn to make an appointment. You’ll have 24 hours to book your appointment after you’re notified.

Pre-registering is a great place to start. But you can still look for appointments at other sites that may get you in sooner or may be more convenient for you.

Searching online for smaller vaccination sites

Visit VaxFinder.mass.gov to search for appointments at local sites, health care locations, pharmacies and grocery stores. This website will show you which locations have openings and how to request an appointment.

You can also check the websites for local pharmacies and grocery stores. You can sign up for an appointment on their websites when openings are available.

Appointments for teens ages 16 and 17

If you’re under age 18 or making an appointment for someone under age 18, you will need to choose a site that uses the Pfizer vaccine. It is the only vaccine currently approved for those 16 or 17 years of age.

Those under age 18 will need to bring a written consent form signed by a parent or guardian to their vaccination appointment. You can download a consent form at mass.gov. Or you can call the vaccination site and ask if they have forms that you can fill out at the time of the appointment.

If you’re homebound

Massachusetts has a COVID-19 Homebound Vaccination Program for those who are unable to get to a vaccination site even with help. You can call the program at 833-983-0485, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to see if you qualify to receive a vaccination in your home.

Do you need a vaccine?

Health experts urge those who are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can. Some people—such as women who are pregnant or people worried about getting the vaccine because of their health—may have medically related reasons to hesitate before getting the vaccine. If you’re in this situation, ask your doctor or health care provider for advice about what’s best for you.

If you live in Boston, you should strongly consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Boston is one of the areas hardest hit by COVID-19 in the state.

Getting a vaccine can help protect you whatever your risk. Keep in mind that while the risks to those who get COVID-19 are very high, the risk of developing serious problems from the vaccine is very low.

Getting back to normal

Scientists and other health experts agree that the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe and very effective at preventing COVID-19.

If you have questions or concerns about the vaccine, talk with your health care provider. Or learn more by visiting reputable sites, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also has information on vaccine safety in multiple languages at mass.gov/trustthefacts. 

The bottom line is this: The COVID-19 vaccine can save your life. And it’s one of the most important things you can do to help all of us get back to normal safely!

Tufts Health Plan is one of the few health plans in Massachusetts to offer coverage across people’s life span regardless of age or circumstance. This coverage includes Medicaid/subsidized, commercial and Medicare health plans. To learn more, visit tuftshealthplan.com.

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What to expect after you get the shot

You may experience some side effects after you get your vaccine. Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness and swelling in the arm where the shot is given
• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle pain

Generally, these side effects:

• Are mild to moderate
• Happen the first three days after the shot
• Get better in two days
• Are stronger after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine

Your body will take some time to build immunity to COVID-19. If you get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after you have your second shot. If you get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’re considered fully vaccinated two weeks after you get the single-dose vaccine. 

COVID-19 vaccine