The first shipment of almost 60-thousand doses of coronavirus vaccine will go to 21 hospitals in eight counties across Massachusetts. From there, doses will be sent to 74 hospitals in 14 counties for front-line medical workers. A second shipment of 40-thousand doses will be for staff and residents at long-term care facilities. Based on an extensive list of other priorities, the vaccine is not expected to be available to the general public until next April.
Anticipated Vaccination Phases and Timeline:
Phase One (December 2020-February 2021):
In order of priority
Clinical and non-clinical healthcare workers doing direct and COVID-facing care
Long term care facilities, rest homes and assisted living facilities
Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services
Congregate care settings (including shelters and corrections)
Home-based healthcare workers
Healthcare workers doing non-COVID facing care
Phase Two (February 2021-April 2021):
In order of priority
Individuals with 2+ comorbidities (high risk for COVID-19 complications)
Early education, K-12, transit, grocery, utility, food and agriculture, sanitation, public works and public health workers
Adults 65+
Individuals with one comorbidity
Phase Three (April 2021- ):
Vaccine available to general public
Although the state is likely to get the vaccines at any time, the Governor says that the state will not distribute until it gets the notification from the federal government.
(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)