Massachusetts' COVID-19 vaccination phases

The Massachusetts state COVID-19 vaccination attestation form is no longer required. However, your vaccination locations may ask you to sign an attestation or a consent form. 

Learn more about the groups in each phase of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline.

Booster information

1st booster

• Everyone age 5 and older can get a 1st booster after they have had their primary vaccine series 

2nd booster

• Anyone age 50 and older may get a 2nd booster at least 4 months after their 1st booster
• Anyone age 18 and older with certain medical conditions may get a 2nd booster at least 4 months after their 1st booster
• Anyone age 12 and older with certain medical conditions may get a 2nd booster at least 4 months after their 1st booster

You can mix and match vaccines. Your booster does not need to be the same vaccine brand as your original COVID-19 vaccination. If you are ages 5-17, you can only get a Pfizer booster.

If you're NOT immunocompromised, you’re eligible for a booster if:

• Moderna: It’s been at least 5 months since your 2nd dose
• Pfizer: It's been at least 5 months since your 2nd dose
• Johnson & Johnson: It’s been at least 2 months since your 1st dose  

Additionally, anyone age 18 and older who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may get a 2nd booster of either Moderna or Pfizer at least 4 months after their 1st booster.

Anyone age 50 and older may get a 2nd booster at least 4 months after their 1st booster.

People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and may need more doses of vaccine to protect them. Therefore, certain groups of people ages 12 and older with weakened immune systems should get an additional vaccine dose as part of their primary series, and also get 2 booster doses a bit sooner than other people.

Learn more about booster eligibility. Use VaxFinder to find a pharmacy or other location to get your booster.

Steps to get your vaccination

Step 1: Find a location and schedule your appointment

Note: An attestation form is no longer required.

Preregistration has closed. Use VaxFinder.mass.gov to search for a vaccine appointment near you.

Individuals can call toll free 2-1-1 or [phone] for assistance if unable access to the internet or schedule their appointment online.

Use VaxFinder to search for an appointment 

Step 2: Prepare for your appointment

Phased vaccine distribution plan

Massachusetts’ COVID-19 vaccination plan was guided by the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group, a diverse group launched in October consisting of medical professionals, public health experts, elected officials, community leaders, and infectious disease specialists. The plan consists of 3 phases, which reflect several priorities: protecting our most vulnerable, maintaining health care system capacity, and addressing inequities in health care access and COVID-19 burden.

Phase 1 of the plan began in December, and prioritized health care workers, first responders, and vulnerable populations like those in congregate care settings and residents and staff of long-term care facilities.

Massachusetts moved to Phase 2 in February, and the plan continued to focus on vaccinating the oldest and most vulnerable, supporting the Commonwealth’s nation-leading success in vaccinating these populations. Phase 2 also included workers in certain categories and people with certain medical conditions.

As of April 19, Massachusetts has entered Phase 3 of the vaccine distribution plan. Everyone over the age of 12 is eligible for the vaccine. 

Phase 4 began Nov. 3, with children ages 5-11 eligible for the vaccine.

This page provides information about the previous phases of the distribution plan. You can also use the links below to find and schedule a vaccine appointment.

Phase 1

(December 2020 – January 2021)

Listed in order of priority:
Began December 15, 2020	Clinical and non-clinical health care workers doing direct and COVID-facing care
Began December 28, 2020	Long term care facilities, rest homes and assisted living facilities
Began January 11, 2021	First responders
Began January 18, 2021	Congregate care settings
Began January 21, 2021	Home-based health care workers
	Health care workers doing non-COVID-facing care

Phase 2

(February – April 2021)

Listed in order of priority:
Began February 1, 2021	People who are 75 or older
Began February 18, 2021	People who are 65 or older
	People with 2 or more certain medical conditions
	People who live or work in low income and affordable senior housing
Began March 11, 2021	K-12 educators, K-12 school staff, and child care workers
Began March 22, 2021	People who are 60 or older
	Workers in certain categories
Began April 5, 2021	People who are 55 or older
	People with 1 or more certain medical conditions

Phase 3

(April 2021)

Listed in order of priority
Began April 19, 2021	People age 16 and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can get vaccinated *Information specific to people age 18 and under
Began May 12, 2021	People age 12 and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can get vaccinated *Information specific to people age 18 and under

Phase 4

Listed in order of priority
Began Nov. 3, 2021	Children ages 5-11 who live or study in Massachusetts can get vaccinated *Information specific to children ages 5-11