Excellent news for caregivers!

Effective Thursday, February 11, a caregiver/companion who is accompanying a Massachusetts resident over the age of 75 to their appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine at any of the Massachusetts mass vaccination sites may also make an appointment to get vaccinated themselves on the same day.

Caregivers spend a lot of time with their care recipient, but they also go to grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. The new Caregiver/Companion policy regarding the #COVIDVaccine provides safety & comfort to many families

Thank you to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and to the Executive Office of Elder Affairs on behalf of Massachusetts family Caregivers!

How Is Caregiver/Companion defined?

"Caregiver/Companion" includes any trusted friend or family member, regardless of age, who assists someone aged 75 or older who needs support to get to or participate in the vaccination appointment. The caregiver/companion may or may not be a family member. 

"Support to get to or participate in the vaccination appointment" is if the person who is 75+ years old requires assistance due to:  

• Transportation or accessibility challenges
• Visual or hearing impairments 
• Health issues including cognitive impairments such as dementia  

What are the requirements for an adult 75+ and their caregiver/companion to get vaccine appointments?

Both the caregiver/companion must book a separate appointment for the same day at one of the Massachusetts mass vaccine sites (see below for locations).

• One vaccine appointment for the individual who is age 75+
• One vaccine appointment for the caregiver/companion. 
• Both appointments must be on the same day at either the same time or an adjacent time. 
• Both individuals must be present at the same time.
• Only one companion is permitted. 
• The caregiver/companion must attest that they are accompanying the individual to the appointment. 

How do I make the appointments?

• Go to mass.gov/covidvaccine and schedule two separate appointments on the same day at either the same time or an adjacent time. 
• For the caregiver/companion making an online appointment, select the option 'Individual accompanying someone who is age 75+ to their vaccination appointment."
• If both the caregiver and person 75+ are unable or have difficultly accessing the internet, they may call 2-1-1 for assistance booking both appointments. 

*Where are the Massachusetts mass vaccination sites?

• Gillette Stadium in Foxboro
• Fenway Park in Boston
• Eastfield Mall in Springfield
• Doubletree Hotel in Danvers
• Natick Mall
• The former Circut City in Dartmouth

NOTE: Availability is updated on Thursdays

Please CLICK HERE to download a 2-page flyer from Mass.gov with more details and questions & answers.