Some Phase 2 Individuals Eligible for Vaccination Starting Next Week
GEORGETOWN — Health Agent Deb Rogers and the Town of Georgetown wish to share an update regarding the state’s distribution plan for the COVID-19 vaccination.
On Monday, Jan. 25, the state announced that it has restructured Phase Two of the vaccination distribution plan so that the following groups will be vaccinated, in order:
- Individuals 75-years-old and older.
- Individuals 65-years-old and older and individuals with two or more comorbidities, meaning they have a condition that puts them at risk for severe illness should they contract COVID-19. To review these conditions, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here.
- Early education and K-12 workers, transit, utility, food and agriculture, sanitation, public works and public health workers
- Individuals with one comorbidity
Individuals who are 75-years-old and older can begin receiving their vaccines on Monday, Feb. 1, and can make an appointment at a vaccination site near them.To view a map of vaccination sites, click here. All sites require an appointment.
However, residents should note that while the state is creating more mass vaccination sites and they may become eligible to receive the vaccination in the coming weeks, vaccination distribution is contingent on the number of physical vaccinations available. The State of Massachusetts, at this time, is prepared to distribute more vaccinations than it has.
The state has not yet announced when individuals 65-years-old and older and those with two or more comorbidities will be able to receive the vaccine. This will be announced when more information is available about additional doses of the vaccine to be provided to the state by the federal government.
The general public will not be eligible to receive the vaccine until April. To review the full vaccination distribution timeline, click here.
To make an appointment at a vaccination site:
- Visit mass.gov/COVID-vaccine to find your phase and priority group
- If you’re eligible, visit mass.gov/COVIDVaccineMap to find a vaccine clinic near you
- Make an appointment online and fill out the attestation form
Town officials will continue to monitor the situation and share updates, such as specific dates of when the vaccine may become available to more people, as that information becomes available.
For the latest updates regarding vaccination distribution in Massachusetts, click here.
To learn more about frequently asked questions regarding the vaccine, click here.
Those with questions about the vaccine are asked to contact the state by emailing COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA@mass.gov.
Stay Informed about the Status of COVID-19 in Town
According to public health data released on Thursday, Jan. 28, the Town’s designation remains at “Red,” indicating a “high risk” of spread in the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town of Georgetown is 53.3 per 100,000 residents, down from 55.6 last week.
There are currently 67 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. There have been a total of 410 cases in Georgetown since the start of the pandemic.
Residents are reminded to always take the following precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community:
- Remember that an infected individual can spread COVID-19 before they have symptoms, which is why social distancing — maintaining a minimum of 6 feet from others — is critical.
- Those who must go out are urged to:
- Avoid gathering in groups
- Maintain 6 feet from people outside your household
- Do not shake hands or hug
- Wash your hands often
- Those who are at a high risk for COVID-19, including those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions, are advised to stay home and avoid non-essential tasks and errands
- Wear a mask in indoor and outdoor spaces at all times.
- Face coverings should:
- Cover the nose and mouth
- Fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with either ties or ear loops
- Permit breathing without difficulty
- Be able to be washed and machine dried without damage. Face masks should be washed regularly depending on the amount of use.
For more information about COVID-19 prevention and symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website here and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.
As always, Georgetown residents can learn the latest about the COVID-19 situation in Georgetown by visiting the town’s COVID-19 portal.
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