Those Accompanying a Senior May Also Get Vaccinated

Beginning today (Thursday 2/11), any individual who is accompanying a person age 75 or older to get the COVID-19 vaccine at one of the state’s mass-vaccination sites or here locally at one of Berkshire County’s three public clinics in Pittsfield, North Adams, and Great Barrington, may schedule their own appointment to be vaccinated on the same day.

According to a press release from the office of Governor Charlie Baker, a caregiver must schedule their own appointment online for the same day and location as the 75 or older resident. Only one caregiver may accompany a 75 or older resident. Mass vaccination locations will make every effort to take both individuals together to minimize wait time, even if the appointment times are not identical.

Directions to Schedule Two Appointments (for a 75+ resident & a caregiver):

Individuals can go to mass.gov/covidvaccine and schedule two separate appointments at either the same time or adjacent. For the companion appointment, select the option ‘I am accompanying someone who is age 75+ to their vaccination appointment and my appointment is the same day.’

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

If individuals are unable to use or have difficultly accessing the internet, they may call 2-1-1 for assistance booking both appointments.

Only one caregiver is permitted to schedule an appointment with the 75+ resident. A caregiver may receive their first dose of the vaccine if the 75+ resident is receiving their second dose.

The Baker-Polito Administration also announced Wednesday that two new mass vaccination sites will open in Natick and Dartmouth. On Thursday, 74,000 appointments will be posted online for mass vaccination sites and pharmacies at locations statewide. Approximately 30,000 additional appointments will be posted over the course of the week at pharmacies—totaling over 100,000 new appointments this week for mass vaccination sites and pharmacies.