Massachusetts Vaccine Update
Governor Healey and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have announced new steps to make sure vaccines are available and accessible for everyone in Massachusetts.
Insurance Will Continue to Cover Recommended Vaccines
Massachusetts is making sure that health insurance companies continue to cover vaccines recommended by the Department of Public Health (DPH), not just the ones recommended by the CDC. This helps to protect more people and ensures broader access to vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for 2025–2026
Massachusetts, as a member of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, has released its updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the upcoming year. These guidelines are based on the latest science and focus on protecting everyone, especially those most at risk.
Who Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The state recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for:
- Children ages 6 to 23 months
- All adults
- People at higher risk of illness or exposure
- Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People with weakened immune systems
Vaccines Are Now Easier to Get at Pharmacies
You can now get certain vaccines at your local pharmacy:
- COVID-19 vaccines are available at pharmacies. Call your pharmacy or check online to see availability and minimum age.
- When you book a vaccine appointment online, you’ll be asked a few questions about your health to make sure you get the right care.
*You can also receive your COVID vaccination at Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. For more information call: 508-375-6617
Flu Season Update
It’s business-as-usual for influenza (flu) vaccines. The flu shot is available now, at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment. If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, it’s a good time to do so!
The Northeast Public Health Collaborative
Several Northeastern states (Massachusetts ,Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and New York City) have been collaborating since early 2025 and recently announced the creation of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative. This Collaborative is a voluntary regional coalition of public health agencies and leaders, brought together to share expertise, improve coordination, enhance capacity, strengthen regional readiness, and promote and protect evidence-based public health. The group’s shared goal is to protect the health, safety and well-being of all residents by providing information based on science, data, and evidence, while working to ensure equitable access to vaccines, medications and services.
The Northeast Public Health Collaborative developed their vaccine recommendations with input from experts across the Northeast and aligns with national medical groups including:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – experts on childhood vaccines
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – experts on vaccines during pregnancy
- The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) – experts on vaccines in adulthood
