2022 highlights
December 23
In Lowell, the South Asian Workers’ Center has been inviting community members to a bimonthly Chai Adda (conversational meetings over chai tea) to discuss physical and mental health, well-being, COVID-19 vaccines, and responses to anti-Asian racism. Throughout the fall, the group organized three mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics, where 90 people were vaccinated. They continue to do outreach as part of DPH's Get Boosted campaign which so far has administered more than 40,000 doses.
Saint Michael Parish Church in Lowell, MA.
December 16
DPH and community partners in Lowell hosted a ‘Get Boosted’ COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Saint Michael Parish Church December 11. Thanks to REACH LoWELL, Lowell Community Health Center, and Greater Lowell Health Alliance for getting more than 80 residents vaccinated at the event, which also celebrated Kenyan Independence Day.
November 15
Our Fall COVID-19 Get Boosted campaign continues, offering a $75 gift card incentive, while supplies last, at participating clinics in areas hard hit by the pandemic. In the first 2 weeks of the campaign:
- 7,222 doses were administered at participating clinics
- Over 90% of the doses were boosters
- Over 4,300 doses were administered in the second week of the campaign, an increase of 48% compared to the first week.
- Nearly half (46.5%) of the total doses administered in the second week have been to BIPOC individuals
The Get Boosted campaign continues through the end of the year.
COVID vaccination event held in Hyde Park.
November 10
In Boston, the Authentic Caribbean Foundation, Inc. has hosted several COVID vaccination events, including 8 vaccine clinics at community events in Brockton, Springfield, and Hyde Park in July, and four clinics in Brockton, Mattapan, and Hyde Park in August (see photo). The organization engaged with over 1,000 people through these clinics and related outreach, during which they also distributed flyers, hand sanitizer, masks, and other resources, offering opportunities for parents to speak with nurses and vaccine providers about their questions regarding pediatric COVID vaccines.
Extreme Science Kid
October 24
In Springfield, Extreme Science Kid established its first-ever Youth Board, six young people who help improve family-centered events that offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics and resources. Thanks to COVID-19 Community Grants funding, the youth all receive stipends. This summer and fall, the Youth Board helped bring six events to Springfield , including kids' summer block parties that included clinics; a city-wide basketball tournament that featured a mental health forum and COVID-19 clinic (see photo); and an outdoor COVID-19 awareness, prevention, and mental health forum and gospel concert. The board is also helping to plan a Boston-based holiday toy giveaway and resource fair.
Volunteers from Greater Lowell Health Alliance.
October 6, 2022
In Lowell, VEI recently partnered with Greater Lowell Health Alliance and others to hold two clinics at local temples. Both clinics were held on September 25, one of the biggest Khmer religious events of the year, after Khmer New Year. Cataldo Ambulance provided COVID vaccinations and outreach workers provided educational resources, COVID test kits, and PPE (see photo). At the Glory Buddhist Temple, 160 people were vaccinated (159 boosters), while at the Wat Khmer Samaki Santikaram Temple, 88 people were vaccinated (87 boosters).
September 30
In Worcester, VEI partnered with VaxAbilities to host a clinic at the EcoTarium where nearly 30 people were vaccinated and received free admission tickets. VaxAbilities is a partnership led by the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Network that provides clinics in a disability and sensory-sensitivity friendly environment. A follow-up clinic is set for October 23.
Children and families attending the vaccine clinic hosted by Chinese Culture Connection in Malden.
September 19
In Malden in recent months, Chinese Culture Connection has hosted three vaccine clinics in partnership with VEI. In July, they offered two vaccine clinics to children and families attending the Beebe School's summer program where about 100 people were vaccinated. In August, their “Exploring Malden River” event included learning about the river, Chinese music performances and Tai Chi, races, and circus activities (see photo). Over 300 people attended the event, with 68 vaccinations via a mobile clinic.
Back-to-school clinic at Melita Farms in Methuen.
September 2
In Methuen, Melita Farms hosts a weekly clinic at their farmstand in partnership with the Vaccine Equity Initiative, the Methuen Health & Human Services Dept, and Cataldo Ambulance. On August 27, Melita Farms held a Back-to-School clinic with bouncy houses, games, and a backpack giveaway, when 42 vaccines were administered including 18 first doses. Since June, 251 vaccines have been administered at Melita Farms, including 68 first doses. They will host two more large family-friendly events at their clinics this fall.
The clinic team in New Bedford
August 26
Centro Comunitario de Trabajadores in New Bedford (serving Central American and Maya K’iche’ communities) held COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout July and August. During one of the August clinics, CCT also distributed children's clothing, baby items, and maseca, a food staple used to make corn tortillas. More than 50 vaccines have been administered, including 20 first doses.
Providing COVID information and food for families in Lynn.
August 18
In Lynn, the organization Building Audacity (serving youth and families) recently partnered with other community organizations, including fellow VEI grantee Black Boston COVID-19 Coalition, to host a basketball tournament, providing 40 families with information about upcoming COVID vaccine clinics; masks, rapid tests, and other resources; and nutritious food for families (see photo).
July 28
During June and July, VEI's Outreach and Engagement Team supported 21 clinics in Lawrence and Methuen in partnership with local boards of health. Outreach partners include Groundworks Lawrence and AgeSpan. More than 160 vaccinations, including 20 first doses in children under 5, were administered. VEI is also partnering with the Greater Lawrence Community Action Center (GLCAC) for summer/fall clinics, recently administering 63 vaccinations. Photos from a recent clinic held in partnership with Greater Lawrence Community Action Center.
Picture taken at a clinic on July 2, 2022 in Malden, MA.
July 18
Several cities over the July Fourth holiday weekend held eight clinics with community-based organizations and other partners, including the Malden YMCA, Springfield Indian Orchard Citizens Council, Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Melita Farms (Lawrence/Methuen), Pope John High School (Everett), and America's Food Basket (Brockton). These clinics resulted in 175 total vaccinations, including 126 first doses. More clinics are planned throughout the summer.
Vaccine clinic events took place on June 4, June 11, June 18, and June 25 in Methuen.
June 2022
- Throughout June, VEI prioritized family-friendly clinics at festivals, day camps, schools, YMCAs, and food pantries, designed to build confidence in the vaccine’s efficacy, provide safe and culturally competent settings for vaccination, and to reduce barriers to access.
- VEI continues to grow its partnership with food pantries as they offer a new, strong community connection. By partnering with food pantries, VEI meets individuals in a safe, convenient, and trusted environment. Throughout June, VEI held seven clinics at food pantries, including the Springfield Cupboard Food Pantry, Lowell's Dwelling House of Hope Food Distribution, and Malden's Bread of Life Food Pantry.
May 14
- On Saturday, May 14, Randolph hosted a pediatric vaccine event. The event featured music, a balloon twister, food, and raffles for prizes from Randolph businesses. Pediatric and adult vaccines were available; those vaccinated were entered into the raffle.
April 29
- Cities including Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Lowell, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, and Springfield held 43 vaccination clinics for children and families during April School Vacation Week (April 18-24). Clinics were held at family-friendly locations, including trampoline parks, zoos, bowling alleys, and even Six Flags New England. In total, 1,068 people were vaccinated. Thank you to our local partners who helped make this effort possible.
More than 1,000 people were vaccinated, including at this clinic in Chelsea.
“Excuse Me! Randolph” flyer
April 4
- In Boston, the Somali Parent Advocacy Center for Education (SPACE) has been hosting an information table in Nubian Square, holding monthly Zoom community meetings and one-on-one discussions, and sending COVID educational materials via WhatsApp. They are finding that while pregnant people are hesitant to be vaccinated, with education, many are willing to do so after giving birth. More about the COVID vaccine and pregnancy.
- On April 30 in Randolph, a basketball event called “Excuse Me! Randolph” will be held at the Randolph Intergenerational Community Center. Ten local YouTube basketball influencers will take part in the game, and teens ages 15+ will have opportunities to play alongside them. A vaccination clinic will be held in the center's cafeteria during the free event, and vegan food options will be available.
March 28
- Earlier this month, the first of a series of vaccine clinics was hosted by JAHAN in partnership with DPH and Charles River Community Health (flyer, right). Prior to the clinic in Brighton, JAHAN worked with mosques, community organizations, and health centers in the area to promote the clinic and hold informational sessions on vaccination. More than 175 people attended the family-friendly clinic, with nearly 40% of people receiving their first vaccines.
March 9
- Mobile clinics continue for priority populations in VEI communities, with 68 mobile clinics held in 20 VEI communities from February 28 to March 6, with a cumulative total of 3,616 vaccinations.
- In Fitchburg, a community outreach and education event was held to answer parent questions and disseminate information. It was hosted in collaboration with the YMCA, Fitchburg VAA providers, PNQIN, the Fitchburg Board of Health and the Fitchburg/Leominster Community Liaison.
- A community conversation was held in Randolph in collaboration with PNQIN, the Town of Randolph and the Community Liaison from DPH.
Comfort dog in training, Brownie McSnuggles, visiting a vaccination clinic at the Greater Lowell YMCA
February 25
- DPH co-sponsored 60 vaccination clinics in several communities across Massachusetts during School Vacation Week. In Lowell, comfort dog in training, Brownie McSnuggles, visited their clinic at the Greater Lowell YMCA (photo, right). Brownie brought smiles to attendees, and those vaccinated were eligible for additional incentives, like Girl Scout Cookies and a $500 gift card raffle.
- Springfield hosted its family-friendly school vacation week vaccination clinics at BOUNCE Trampoline Park, where kids received 1 hour of free play time for getting vaccinated. 80 vaccinations were administered in just one day, including 30 pediatric doses. The clinics have received media attention from WWLP, MASS Live, and other outlets.
Holyoke businesses flyer
February 8
- The City of Holyoke is launching a new six-week program to encourage Holyoke businesses to increase the number of vaccinated employees. The city will assist businesses by providing education, toolkits, and access to resources and incentives such as grants and media recognition. More than 200 businesses have been contacted. All outreach and education materials are bilingual (see flyer).
- On Feb. 15, New Bedford will add a new location for its vaccine clinics: the Wilks Branch Library. The City will offer incentives for youth, such as YMCA memberships and program vouchers, with additional outreach done at a nearby mobile food market.
February 1
- Chelsea partnered with the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center for an evening booster clinic on Feb. 1, with outreach to essential workers and distribution of PPE and COVID-19 test kits. Additionally, last week at a booster clinic for students and staff at the high school, 70 people pre-registered and 98 residents received shots (including some first doses).
- Additional standing clinics have begun in Leominster and Fitchburg. All new standing clinics offer adult and pediatric doses and are in areas easily accessible by the community. Also, AIDS Project Worcester provides a clinic on the first Friday of every month at the Restoration and Recovery Center and Making Opportunity Count (MOC) offers two clinics a week. A successful pop-up clinic was held at the Spanish American Center January 26.
- The Randolph Health Department team recently visited New Jerusalem Church, a predominantly Black church where the team saw previous success with first doses. More than 20 residents received boosters.
January 24
- The City of Holyoke is partnering with Behavioral Health Network to hold vaccination clinics at public libraries on Saturdays throughout the month of January. The project reported that 56 individuals were vaccinated in a single weekend.
- In Randolph, the city sponsored a raffle to encourage vaccination among children and young people, ages 5-17. Prizes include currency for the online game Fortnite, a new Xbox, and a scooter. Over 500 youth signed up.
A Springfield Public Schools student being vaccinated while his aunt received her booster.
January 17, 2022
- Lawrence and Methuen are partnering to hold a series of regular clinics, including on Wednesdays at the Methuen YMCA and 5x/week at the Lawrence City Hall.
- In Springfield, Behavioral Health Network is supporting school-based clinics at Springfield Public Schools, offering primary series and booster shots. Clinics on January 3 and 4 resulted in 80 vaccinations.