Skip to main content
This page, COVID-19 vaccinations for first responders, is offered by

COVID-19 vaccinations for first responders

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility requirements and information for first responders as part of Phase 1 of the MA COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline.

Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

Eligibility

First responders including emergency medical services, police, and fire are currently eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Examples of eligible first responders included in Phase 1:

  • All interfacility transport workers, MedFlight staff, college/university campus police, 911 Dispatch employees
  • Federal law enforcement (including FBI, DEA, Coast Guard, federal court officers, U.S. Marshals Service, ATF, Federal Reserve Police, Homeland Security investigators, Transportation Security Officers)
  • Court officers
  • Harbormasters/Assistant Harbormasters
  • Massport police
  • ABCC Inspectors

Please be prepared to show either one of the IDs outlined below OR the COVID-19 Massachusetts Vaccination Attestation Form.

    Vaccination locations

    There are 2 options for first responder vaccinations:

    1. Qualifying departments that plan to vaccinate at least 200 individuals may request vaccines to be administered on-site.  Departments that would like to vaccinate their own first responder staff must follow the guidance for the Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Program (MCVP).
    2. Local boards of health have established first responder clinics across the commonwealth. If you have not heard from your supervisor or Local Board of Health, you can preregister for a mass vaccination location or find a location and schedule your appointment.

    There are different ways to find a vaccine appointment:

    Massachusetts’ preregistration system makes it easier to request and schedule an appointment. People can preregister for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at mass vaccination locations and certain regional collaborative locations only. More locations will continue to be added.

    Once you sign up for preregistration, you’ll receive weekly status updates. You can opt out at any time if you find an appointment elsewhere. Once an appointment is available, you’ll be contacted with the opportunity to book the appointment and have 24 hours to accept it.

    Massachusetts receives a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the federal government each week. Due to high demand and very limited supply, it may take several weeks to schedule an appointment or to be notified that an appointment is available.

    Preregister for a vaccine appointment  Use VaxFinder to book at other locations  Learn more about preregistration 

    Appointment documentation 

    EMTS  — all levels

    Please bring one of the following forms of ID:

    Police

    Please bring one of the following forms of ID:

    • Employer-issued photo ID card that includes your name
    • Badge
    • Letter from Police Chief stating you are a current employee AND state photo identification or license 
    • Recent paystub AND a state photo identification or license

    Firefighters

    Please bring one of the following forms of ID:

    • Employer-issued photo ID card that includes your name
    • Badge
    • Letter from Fire Chief stating you are a current employee AND state photo identification or license
    • Recent Paystub AND a state photo identification or license

    Guidance for vaccination clinics for first responders

    Download: Clinics for First Responders: Frequently Asked Questions, updated January 13, 2021.

    This guidance answers commonly asked questions from Local Boards of Health to support COVID-19 vaccine clinics for first responders.

    Related

    Feedback