Governor Healy announced at a press conference today that CVS and Walgreens will begin scheduling and administering the COVID booster starting Friday, September 5 to eligible Massachusetts residents. At the event, DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein advised residents to follow the eligibility screening questions on pharmacy websites when booking their appointment.
Below is a Healy administration press release announcing a series of steps to ensure the availability of vaccines to Massachusetts residents.
Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks
Healey Administration takes first-of-its-kind action to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state
BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced a series of immediate measures to ensure that vaccines remain available to Massachusetts residents of all ages, while President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restrict access to vaccines and make cuts to public health across the country.
“Massachusetts has the best health care in the world,” said Governor Healey. “We won’t let Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy get between patients and their doctors. When the federal government fails to protect public health, Massachusetts will step up. The actions we are announcing today will make sure people can continue to get the vaccines they need and want in Massachusetts.”
Today, the Governor announced three steps to protect vaccine access in Massachusetts.
First, at Governor Healey’s direction, the Division of Insurance (DOI) and Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations. Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans all support this action. This will ensure that Massachusetts residents can afford the vaccines they need and want to keep themselves and others healthy, even if the federal government issues narrower recommendations. These include respiratory virus vaccines, like COVID, flu and RSV, and routine vaccines for children, like measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. This action follows legislation filed by Governor Healey last month that would give DPH authority to set independent standards for vaccine purchasing and recommendations.
“We are so fortunate to live in Massachusetts where we prioritize science and support patients,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “With Governor Healey’s leadership and collaboration between DPH and DOI, those who want to get vaccinated will be able to without added cost or confusion because of decisions made at the federal level.”
“As an infectious disease physician, I have seen the extraordinary impact vaccines have had in saving lives and preventing serious illness. Limiting access to vaccines is not just shortsighted – it is reckless,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Massachusetts will not allow ideology to override evidence. We must continue to be guided by science and data. And we must do what is right, even when it is hard, because protecting public health is not optional, it is a responsibility – a promise – we make to every resident of our Commonwealth. Today we are keeping that promise.”
“Today’s action ensures that everyone who should get a vaccine will get one and their insurance will cover it,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “Our collective commitment – state government working with our health insurance companies – is important as we enter the fall season.”
Second, Governor Healey’s administration has also taken steps to ensure that Massachusetts residents who want to receive the COVID vaccine can do so at pharmacies. Last week, it was reported that CVS and Walgreens could not offer the COVID vaccine in multiple states, including Massachusetts, because the federal government was no longer recommending it for adults. In response, DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five and older. Children under five can receive the vaccine through their pediatrician. Additionally, this morning, DPH updated its vaccine administration policy to permit the DPH Commissioner to determine which routine vaccines can be administered by pharmacists in Massachusetts, instead of limiting them only to vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As a result of these actions, CVS and Walgreens are working to make COVID vaccine appointments available in Massachusetts as soon as possible.
Third, under Governor Healey’s leadership, Massachusetts is also leading efforts to create a public health collaboration with states in New England and across the Northeast committed to safeguarding public health as the federal government backs away from its responsibilities. This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs.
Statements of Support:
House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy):
“The Commonwealth has a long history of serving as a national leader in health care, especially during moments of federal mismanagement, and this action from Governor Healey is the latest example of that leadership. The House remains committed to ensuring that Massachusetts residents are able to make decisions about their own health care in consultation with their doctor, and without restrictions that are driven by debunked conspiracy theories.”
Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland):
“Vaccines save lives and protect families. Period. The Healey Administration’s actions will help ensure federal drama does not affect our access to vaccines that are essential to public health. In Massachusetts, we believe healthcare decisions should be made by you and your provider. If you want a vaccine, you should be able to get one easily. These are the right steps to take, and I applaud Governor Healey and Commissioners Goldstein and Caljouw for taking them.”
Lora Pellegrini, President and CEO, Massachusetts Association of Health Plans
“The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans (MAHP) strongly supports Governor Maura Healey’s decisive actions to ensure Massachusetts residents continue to have access to critical preventive vaccines, despite destabilizing federal policy changes that threaten public health. As Massachusetts takes steps to empower the Department of Public Health to set independent vaccine standards, MAHP member plans remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring coverage of evidence-based care. Protecting access to vaccines is central to reducing preventable illness, addressing health disparities, and maintaining the Commonwealth’s reputation for leading with science and equity. MAHP and our member plans stand ready to work with the Healey Administration, providers, and public health leaders to ensure that every Massachusetts resident has access to the immunizations they need to stay healthy.”
Dr. Sandhya Rao, Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
“We strongly support vaccine access and view it as a critical part of public health and preventive care. We’re proud to work with the Healey administration as part of the Mass. Vaccine Purchasing Advisory Council, and applaud the state’s efforts to protect the health of our communities.”
Carlene Pavlos, Executive Director, Massachusetts Public Health Alliance
“The Massachusetts Public Health Alliance is grateful that the commissioner of public health, the governor, and the legislature are taking seriously their responsibility to protect and promote the health and safety of people in Massachusetts. Existing and anticipated federal changes are undermining vaccine access nationwide and posing a genuine threat to the health of Massachusetts residents. The Healey-Driscoll administration’s decision to stand up for science-based public health today will help to mitigate these threats and should serve as a model for other states and regions of the country.”
Patrick Gilligan, CEO, Point32Health:
“We applaud Governor Healey’s actions to ensure residents of Massachusetts have access to vaccinations including the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines. These actions are critical to maintain the public health of the Commonwealth as well as the health and wellness of our members.”
When I heard about this issue last week, I had every confidence that MA would work this problem out in short order, and that I would get an email from you when it did.
Thank you for coming through as expected, and yay for living in a sane state.
CVS won’t let me schedule an appointment. Their broken web site doesn’t show any pharmacies in or near Belmont, but does show sites in Cambridge. I tried to schedule an appointment in Central Sq next Wednesday, after my podiatrist appointment a block away the same afternoon, and it silently cleared my Covid vaccination leaving only my flu shot. I can get a flu shot practically anywhere without an appointment (Mt Auburn Star Market says they have been available for a couple of weeks at least) the terrible CVS scheduling web site makes it impossible to back out and try another day or CVS store or to try to schedule JUST the Covid shot. (The last option would not be important if it simply told me that flu shots are available, but Covid shots are not.)
The policy had just been announced. Locations needed time to make sure they had doses and set up appointments. There are plenty listed as available now.
Tried again, just asking for Covid. It scheduled me for Friday afternoon in Watertown next door to the Stop & Shop across the river. It asked me if I also wanted a flu shot, but I suspected it was a trap and said no. I’m sure I can get one when I arrive.
With the amount of information out there now about the severe side effects like Myocarditis, Strokes, Heart attacks, Cancer, etc it’s truly sickening our dense cult like leaders still recommend these poison shots. I guess, I should be grateful our political establishment is no longer forcing people to get the shot or loose their access to education or employment.
Right good luck with that they won’t let me comment about it what’s going on with this site ! Cousin died after booster, niece got heart trouble, friend had a stroke . No thanks
Why can’t I comment
After seeing Maura Healey’s statement yesterday, my husband and I went to the Osco Drugs in the Safeway on Trapelo Road in Belmont and received our COVID vaccination this morning.
The open VAERS website (link below) provides a good tool to assess risks. It aggregates data from the CDC’s own vaccine adverse event reporting system, which was put into place when Congress gave all vaccine makers full liability protection. You can’t sue the maker of a vaccine if you’re injured by their product.
https://openvaers.com/
Yes, this has been debunked many times, as it includes any death from all causes. So if you calculate the number of people who died within 2 weeks of drinking a glass of water, you will get the same number using actuary tables publicly available. I actually did the math. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/covid-vax-deaths-vs-covid-deaths/
You really should do some research on what is in the covid shots instead of relying on propaganda tools like Snopes. I know a lot of people have a knee jerk hate reaction to anything Trump or RFK Jr, but you owe it to yourself to broaden your news consumption beyond Snopes, CNN, NPR or the Boston Globe.
Right ! I know many people who had trouble and regret this vaccine or shot but let them find out for themselves! You can’t talk to them they make everything political ! Now they will run to get it playing Russian roulette with their health.
Unless I am misreading, this does not seem to help those between 5 and 65 who may not meet the federal requirements but still want access to the vaccine for a variety of reasons. It seems like for the majority of people, a visit to the physician and the possibility of off-label prescription is the only way to get it covered, correct?
My partner just got a Covid shot yesterday, and she is under 65, no conditions. CVS pharmacist said it is open to all over 5 now. And CVS has covid shot reservation times on its website now. I got the first slot yesterday.
It should be down to a personal choice (in case of COVID shots). As in an elective procedure. Paying for those shots shouldn’t be a public burden.