Here is the COVID-19 update as of  Friday, October 22. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.  

Booster shots explained: Booster shots of all COVID-19 vaccines have been approved by the FDA for people who are considered to be at higher risk if they contract the virus or who are at higher risk of exposure due to their work or residential settings. The FDA has also approved “mixing and matching” booster shots, so you can get a booster of any of the COVID-19 vaccines regardless of what type of COVID-19 vaccine you previously received.  Please keep in mind the eligibility categories may change in the future. If you are not sure if you are eligible for a booster, consult with your doctor. 

For those who have received Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations these are the categories for whom a booster shot is recommended:

• People age 65 or older and residents in long-term care facilities
• Anyone ages 50-64 with underlying medical conditions. Heart disease, chronic lung diseases, and diabetes are on the list, but please review the list to see if you might qualify. Also, consult a doctor or health clinic if you have questions about whether you qualify.

For those who have received Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations these are the categories for who is also eligible to receive  a booster shot:

• People ages 18-49 with underlying medical conditions. Again, consult with a doctor or health clinic if you have questions about whether you qualify.
• People ages 18-64 who live or work in high-risk settings. The list includes first responders, education staff, and grocery store workers.

Anyone who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine is eligible for a booster.

If you believe you meet these eligibility criteria, here are the steps to getting a booster shot:

1. If you received two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine:

• Wait at least 6 months after your second dose before getting a booster
• You can get a booster shot of Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson

1. If you received one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine:

• Wait at least 2 months after your first dose before getting a booster
• You can get a booster shot of Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson

Right now City vaccine clinics are not able to provide booster shots, but you may walk-in or schedule a booster vaccine at most local pharmacies or vaccination sites. You can search for specific locations at vaxfinder.mass.gov, talk to your healthcare provider about your options for a booster shot, or call 2-1-1 or 3-1-1 if you need assistance in finding a location to receive a booster vaccine.

Reminder – Eviction moratorium extended until April 30, 2022: The Somerville Board of Health has extended the citywide residential eviction moratorium until April 30 of next year. The moratorium applies to both renters and homeowners, and it means residents cannot be physically removed from their homes, though eviction cases may proceed through court. REMINDER: back rent ultimately must be paid. If you find yourself or anyone you know unable to make rent or mortgage payments (or if you are a landlord owed back rent), assistance may be available. Immediately contact our Office of Housing Stability at 617-625-6600 x2581 or the Community Action Agency of Somerville at 617-623-7370.

Positive COVID cases in Somerville continue to rise: The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Somerville has risen from 32 in June to 147 in July to 328 in August to 400 in September. Currently 75% of all Somerville residents are fully vaccinated. See the latest Somerville case data at somervillema.gov/covid19dashboard.

Where to get vaccinated: The CHA vaccination site at 176 Somerville Ave. (next to Target in Union Square) and many local pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations. To find out more about these three clinics and where else you can get vaccinated, visit somervillema.gov/vaccine. Remember, vaccines are free, regardless of immigration status or health insurance. If you’re not vaccinated, make a plan today to get your shot. 

At-home vaccinations available: Massachusetts offers in-home vaccinations for anyone who can’t travel to a vaccination location. To learn more and sign up for an in-home vaccination, call (833) 983-0485.

Need a COVID test?: Go to somervillema.gov/covid19testing to find a testing location. 

Other city news and events:

• Town hall with Mayor Curtatone on October 28
• Somerville reprecincting process underway
• Forum on city’s ARPA funding on October 27
• New leaf blower regulations
• Somerville Domestic Violence Vigil on October 26
• Flu vaccination clinic on October 23

Sign up for the free weekly City eNewsletter: There’s always a lot going on in Somerville that has nothing to do with COVID-19 and one of the best ways to stay on top of it is by getting our weekly e-news update. You’ll get updates on events, meetings, surveys, volunteer opportunities, job openings, affordable housing offerings, and more. Sign up at somervillema.gov/newsletter.

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Nancy Bacci at 617-625-6600 x 2250 or nbacci@somervillema.gov.