Somerville’s COVID-19 and Vaccine update

On November 5, 2021, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Here is the COVID-19 update as of Thursday, November 4. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for additional information and resources.  

Vaccines approved for children ages 5-11: A lower dosage version of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized by federal authorities for children ages 5 to 11. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children ages 5 and older be vaccinated against the disease. The CDC has extensive information available for parents who have questions about having their child vaccinated. According to the CDC, “although children are at a lower risk of becoming severely ill with COVID-19 compared with adults, children can:

  • Be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19;
  • Get very sick from COVID-19;
  • Have both short- and long-term health complications from COVID-19;
  • Spread COVID-19 to others.”
Local options for COVID-19 vaccination of 5-11-year-olds include the following. Please note all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for vaccination:
  • Walk-in vaccination at the Somerville CHA Vaccine Center at 176 Somerville Ave. (next to the Union Square Target) will start offering child doses on Monday, November 8  
  • Local pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens
  • Pediatrician offices: please check with your health provider
  • Search for a location offering COVID-19 doses to 5-11 year-olds at vaxfinder.mass.gov by selecting “Vaccines (ages 5-11)” or call 2-1-1. Locations will be updated daily Monday-Friday.
  • School-sponsored clinics at Somerville K-8 school sites, which will be announced to Somerville Public School parents and guardians by the schools
  • City-sponsored clinics, which will be announced at somervillema.gov/vaccine and somervillema.gov, as well as via other City communications channels including these alerts

For the most up-to-date information, please check the State website at mass.gov/covid or mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccinations-for-children-ages-5-11. 

Caution urged ahead of holiday season: Somerville’s COVID case numbers in October did drop for the first time in five months, though sadly there were six COVID deaths, bringing the city’s COVID death total since March 2020 to 96. Cases during the Delta outbreak of the virus have been more evenly distributed throughout the city. General caution is warranted. Currently, 75% of all Somerville residents are fully vaccinated. See the latest Somerville case data at somervillema.gov/covid19dashboard.

Where ages 12 and up can 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. 

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

Other city news and events:

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 info 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.
 
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