The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that as part of Phase 2 people age 75+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning February 1, 2021.
February 1, 2021 Update regarding the state’s distribution plan for the COVID-19 vaccination.
The state is continuing to vaccinate those eligible as part of Phase One. Additionally, on Monday, Jan. 25, the state announced that it has restructured Phase Two of the vaccination distribution plan and will vaccinate groups in the following order of priority:
• 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, public health and other workers
o See the full list of work groups here.
• Individuals with one comorbidity
Individuals who are 75-years-old and older can begin receiving their vaccinations today and are able to make an appointment at a vaccination site near them.
There are currently no vaccination clinics planned to take place in Acton for eligible groups. If the Town of Acton is given vaccines in the future to distribute and a clinic is planned, it will be announced promptly. Residents are advised not to wait for the town to schedule a clinic, and to seek out alternatives.
To view a map of vaccination sites, click here. All sites require an appointment. There is no cost to obtain the vaccine, but patients will be required to present their insurance and identification cards, as well as the attestation form found here. Individuals must present proof of their eligibility to receive the vaccine.
It is recommended that those eligible for the vaccine visit the webpage to select a location and make an appointment as soon as they become eligible. 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 vaccines available. Residents are asked to remain patient and are encouraged to check the appointment webpage often as new locations and additional appointments are added.
Residents are reminded that a second dose of the vaccine is required and you must receive the second dose at the same facility that you received the first dose.
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 provided to the state by the federal government.
The general public is not expected to be eligible to receive the vaccine until April. To review the full vaccination distribution timeline, click here.
Acton COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form
The Town of Acton has created a COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form. Acton residents or those who work in Acton who meet the eligibility criteria for Phase One or the first two priority groups of Phase Two (individuals age 75+ and individuals age 65+ or with two or more comorbidities) and are interested in receiving the vaccine are asked to complete this form. The form will be used to notify respondents of their eligibility only. It is not a form for reservations, a waitlist, or appointments.
You may fill out the form on behalf of someone else. If you are inquiring about the eligibility of more than one person, please fill out one form for each person.
Eligibility notifications and updates will be sent via email. If you don't have access to email and don't have someone who can submit the form on your behalf, the town will call you at the number provided on the form.
If you do not have access to the internet to submit the form, please contact the Acton Town Services Hotline at 978-929-6600.
As additional priority subgroups are expected to become eligible during Phase Two, the survey will be updated and redistributed.
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.
The Acton Public Health Department encourages everyone to stay informed regarding the COVID-19 vaccination process. The following resources are recommended for the most up-to-date information:
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Beginning January 27 people age 75+ can find a location where the vaccine is being administered and sign up to receive the vaccine from that location on the State’s website at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations-for-individuals-in-eligible-groups-and-phases (or: go to www.mass.gov, click on COVID tab, then “vaccine,” then “register online”)
Vaccination locations may be found by using the following map from the State's website: mass.gov/CovidVaccineMap. This map is updated frequently and includes which pharmacies may be offering vaccine.
This week some sites will be posting appointments on the website. Please note, it may take several weeks to get an appointment or for additional local clinics to be posted. There will also be additional appointments and locations added each week as more vaccine supply comes into the Commonwealth. Please feel free to check this website often.
Family members are able to book appointments for someone eligible who may need assistance with the scheduling process.
To schedule an appointment (all locations currently require appointments):
- Visit the webpage and scroll down to the map
- Click the icon in the top left with the arrow to view a list of locations
- Click on a map pin for hours, contact information, and sign up details
- Follow the steps requested by the vaccination site, this will include selecting the appointment time, entering the consumer information (including insurance information, if available) and answering screening questions
There are multiple ways to fill out the required attestation form (requires name, birthdate, signature; you confirm you are in the current vaccine phase and are a MA resident):
- fill out form online and provide an email address to have confirmation sent to you; you’d need a smart phone to show confirmation email on day of vaccine
- print out the pdf and fill it out by hand and bring with you to your appointment
- forms will be available at vaccine sites to fill out on the day you go
What you will need to bring to vaccine appointment:
- Insurance card (no fee is charged to you for vaccine)
- Identification card/driver’s license
- Attestation form or confirmation email on smart phone (can also be filled out on-site)
Please note, the State is in the process of working on alternative solutions to scheduling appointments online including a phone options. Email works best for notification purposes so if you do not have a personal email, please ask a family member for assistance.
The Town does not currently have any vaccine available but please know we are working hard to obtain some. A vaccine working group comprised of the Deputy Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director, Nursing Director, Health Director, Council on Aging Director, and the Town Manager is working closely with other local and state officials on planning for vaccinations. We will update you as information becomes available. The State has outlined a process in order to obtain vaccine which allows approved facilities to request vaccine from the State who in turn request it from the Federal Government. Once approved the vaccine is distributed to the State and the State disburses the vaccine to approved organizations.
This update represents the latest information available about vaccines. Please check www.actonma.gov for updates and if you have general COVID-19 related questions or questions about town services please use call the town services hotline at 978-929-6600.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this process.