Vaccine Information for Franklin County

FLU VACCINE: Click here for information on flu vaccines and Franklin County flu clinics

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine now?

There are different booster rules for different vaccines:

  • People who were vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna are eligible to get a booster if they are 65 or older or are age 18 or older and live in long-term care settings, have certain underlying medical conditions, work in high-risk settings, or live in high-risk settings. People of all ages must have received their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 6 months ago.
  • Everyone vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson at least two months ago is now eligible for a booster.
  • Children 5-11 will soon be eligible for Pfizer vaccines. The Commonwealth is currently taking orders from pharmacies and primary care providers, and expects pediatric vaccinations to be available by early November at the latest.

What are “mix and match” boosters?

“Mix and match” means getting a booster shot from a different company than the initial vaccine. In other words, people who were vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson can now get a Moderna or Pfizer booster, people who were vaccinated with Pfizer can get a Moderna or J&J booster, and people who were vaccinated with Moderna can get a Pfizer or J&J booster – if they wish. People can still get boosters from the same company as their initial vaccination, as long as the booster from that company is available.

Want more info?

  • Read or listen to this 3-minute NPR story (10/20/2021), which explains more about the new FDA decision on boosters.
  • There is also info here on the FDA website with the latest updates.
  • You can see the state guidance here.
  • You can see the CDC recommendations on vaccination here.

Free webinar: What You Need to Know about COVID-19 Booster Shots and Vaccine for Younger Children
Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 12:00-1:00pm
With Dr. Chrystal Wittcopp, Medical Director of Baystate General Pediatrics. Hosted by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts.  Dr. Wittcopp will present key information about the booster shot(s), as well as the latest information on vaccine rollout for children 5-11 years old, the testing and safety of this vaccine, and ways in which we can help families get vaccinated. Learn more, register, & submit questions for the speaker at https://www.publichealthwm.org/covid-19/events.

Schedule a COVID vaccine appointment in Franklin County:

  • Visit the state VaxFinder site to see where you can get which kinds of vaccine today!
  • View a flyer with Franklin County Covid-19 vaccine locations listed below here.
  • Vaccines are now available at these local pharmacies:
  • COVID vaccines are available to patients at nearly all primary care practices.

Hospitals

The Veterans Administration hospital in Leeds is providing vaccinations for all veterans, regardless of patient status. Call 413-584-4040 to schedule an appointment.

Baystate Franklin Medical Center has a Baystate Health Mobile Van that comes to the hospital once a month.

How to Schedule a Pop-up Vaccination Clinic at workplaces or events

  • Click here to request a Baystate Health mobile clinic at your event/location.
  • Click here to request a Walgreens clinic at your event/location.
  • Click here to schedule a CVS clinic onsite — minimum 30 people.

Upcoming Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics

  • TURNERS FALLS — The Baystate Health Mobile Vaccine Team will hold a free pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Franklin County Technical School from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday 10/22. Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will all be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring identification and their insurance card, but they are not needed for vaccination. Children ages 12 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register: https://workwell.apps.baystatehealth.org/guest/covid-vaccine/register?r=vmufranklintech

Homebound Vaccination

Is it very hard for you to get to a vaccination appointment? Someone can come to you to administer a vaccine. Call the State Homebound Vaccination Program phone number 833-983-0485

Vaccine Safety Information

Vaccines are safe and are one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick from COVID-19. The vaccine doesn’t contain the virus that causes COVID-19, so it can’t make you sick. You may experience mild side effects after getting the vaccine, but this is a sign that your body is learning how to protect you. The COVID-19 vaccine was developed quickly but all of the

same safety steps were followed for this vaccine that are used for all vaccines.

Massachusetts has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the safety of the vaccine. Learn more at Trust the Facts. Get the Vax.

Learn more about vaccine safety monitoring systems here.

Sign Up for the Vax Millions

Win $1 million or a college scholarship!

Get vaccinated today! You can’t play if you aren’t vaccinated.
If you completed your vaccination in January, last week, or today, sign up now!
In order to participate in the Promotion and be entered in the drawings, an eligible Massachusetts resident must complete an online entry form and provide all required entry information,
Eligible Massachusetts residents who do not have access to the internet and wish to enter may call the VaxMillions Giveaway Promotion Call Center for assistance. The Call Center may be reached by dialing 2-1-1. Daily call center hours are posted in the FAQ section located at www.VaxMillionsGiveaway.com. acknowledgements, and consents. Entry must be completed through www.VaxMillionsGiveaway.com.

Official Rules

Accessing Your Vaccination Record

Need a copy of your vaccination? Your primary care provider can access your vaccination record through the MA Immunization Information System.