Press Release  Governor Healey Kicks Off Seasonal Vaccines Public Awareness Campaign

Lawrence — Today, Governor Healey visited the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center to kick off the Department of Public Health (DPH)’s annual seasonal vaccine public awareness campaign. The Governor encouraged Massachusetts residents to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines to keep themselves and others healthy. 

The launch of the public awareness campaign comes after Governor Healey took action to make sure that vaccines remain accessible and affordable in Massachusetts despite federal efforts to restrict access. Last month, she directed the Division of Insurance (DOI) and DPH to issue a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH. Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five years and older. DPH also issued evidence-based COVID-19 vaccine guidelines to ensure access for residents. Massachusetts is also working with other states across the northeast and the country to advance collaborative strategies for safeguarding public health. 

The DPH ad campaign, running in six languages, includes billboards, buses, emails, digital and social media, video streaming, and placements in grocery and convenience stores. This year’s campaign is focused on people over 65, people with health conditions that put them at higher risk, and pregnant people/parents of children less than two years old who may be most at risk of severe illness. Ads direct people to mass.gov/SeasonalVaccines for more information and to find a vaccine location near them. 

"While Donald Trump and RFK Jr. are undermining both public access and public confidence in science-backed health care, Massachusetts is standing up to protect the health of our residents,” said Governor Healey. “We’ve taken nation-leading action to ensure that vaccines – including the flu and COVID vaccines – are accessible and available for Massachusetts residents despite the attacks coming from Washington. We encourage everyone to get your vaccines as soon as possible to keep yourself and others healthy this flu season.”  

"This public awareness campaign is making sure that everyone knows that the vaccines recommended by our public health experts, backed by science, and given by trusted providers are available for all who want and need them,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “In Massachusetts, we won’t let anyone stand between patients and their doctors.”   

DPH recommends anyone over six months old receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to protect against seasonal influenza and COVID-19, as well as potentially severe consequences. In Massachusetts, vaccines are covered by insurance and are free, including through Community Health Centers and local public health. Per the Healey-Driscoll Administration's bulletins, insurance carriers in Massachusetts are continuing to cover vaccines recommended by DPH, including the COVID vaccine. The COVID vaccine is available at doctors’ offices, community health centers, local pharmacies, or through local health departments. Pediatricians’ offices and community health centers are the best option for accessing COVID vaccines for children, six months through 18 years of age.  

“Getting vaccinated not only minimizes the impact of viruses on you, but also protects those in your family and in your community whose medical issues make them more vulnerable to getting sick,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “By getting vaccinated you are also supporting our health care workforce, as more severe illness from these viruses leads to a greater strain on our emergency rooms and hospitals. Through this campaign we will connect more people with places to receive these important vaccines and reduce the number of severe cases we see this winter.” 

“Vaccines are one of science’s greatest triumphs,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD.  “Getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. The vaccines are here, they are convenient, and they are free. All that is left is to do is roll up our sleeves – that’s how we stay ready for the season ahead, protect the people we love, and keep Massachusetts strong and resilient.” 
 

“At the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, our dedicated staff work tirelessly to care for our community when illness strikes. But prevention is just as critical. Vaccines remain our most effective tool in protecting public health,” said Greater Lawrence Family Health Center President & CEO Zandra Kelley, MD. “We stand alongside Governor Maura Healey and Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein in encouraging flu and COVID-19 vaccines this season. By doing so, we safeguard not only ourselves, but also our families, neighbors, and the broader community.” 

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