COVID-19 Vaccine
Your need-to-know details about the COVID-19 Vaccine*
It is SAFE
The available COVID-19 vaccines are approved and recommended by the FDA and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices following standard testing and approval processes.
By prioritizing resources and efforts, the vaccines were developed quickly and never at the expense of safety. For more on vaccine safety visit mass.gov/COVIDVaccineSafety
It is FREE
The COVID-19 vaccine is being administered free of charge to all individuals by the federal government.
Insurance information may be asked for by those administering the vaccine in order to bill-back to insurance. However, you will not be charged. If you do not have insurance, you are still eligible to receive the vaccine free of charge.
You need TWO doses to be FULLY vaccinated
Until you are fully vaccinated, you can still contract and spread COVID-19.
Not everyone will be vaccinated when you are. And while we know it dramatically reduces severe cases and symptoms, we are still learning about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions. Continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, keep distance and avoid groups between doses and even after your second dose.
Your two doses should be administered at the SAME SITE
You should receive your second dose of the same vaccine at the same site as your first.
- Pfizer vaccine: at least 21 days following first dose
- Moderna vaccine: at least 28 days following first dose
Before leaving your first dose appointment, schedule or confirm how to setup your next appointment.
Find out when you can get vaccinated at mass.gov/covidvaccinephases
Massachusetts developed a phased COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline focused on equity and safety.
The timeline focuses on maintaining health care system capacity, addressing inequities in health care access and the COVID-19 burden, and protecting vulnerable populations. Each phase has priority groups within them. For regularly updated priority groups and eligible jobs and medical conditions, visit mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases