COVID-19 vaccine in Boston
The COVID-19 vaccine is an important and effective tool to keep ourselves and our communities safe. Along with getting tested, wearing masks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing, the vaccine will help us end the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update: The updated COVID-19 boosters that provide protection against the Omicron variant are available in Massachusetts. Anyone 12 or older who completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination series OR received a booster dose at least two months ago should get the updated booster. You can learn more about BPHC’s recommendations and find vaccine clinics in Boston on this page.
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Have questions? Contact:
Boston Public Health Commission
Important Vaccine Information
The COVID-19 pandemic has unfairly affected Boston's Black, Latinx, immigrant and other communities of color. Systemic racism, including in healthcare and vaccine development, also contributes to concerns and mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccine. We're committed to making information available in multiple languages, through multiple methods, and on an ongoing basis. Our goal is to help our residents make informed decisions.
- COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved for people ages 6 months and up.
- COVID-19 boosters are now available for ages 5 and up.
Recommendations and Information
Recommendations and Info- Everyone ages 6 months and older should be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Everyone 5 and older should stay up-to-date with their COVID vaccines by getting boosted when eligible.
- COVID-19 vaccines offer the best protection against becoming seriously ill, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19.
- Staying up to date on your vaccines is essential. People are best protected against infection, severe illness, hospitalization and death when they get their booster shots.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised please visit the CDC's website
What is the updated COVID-19 vaccine bivalent booster?
On September 1, the CDC announced updated recommendations for COVID-19 boosters for people age 12 and up. The updated booster dose is a bivalent formula. It can restore immunity for the original strains of COVID-19 and provide broader protection against newer Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants. Pfizer-BioNTech’s updated bivalent booster shot is authorized for individuals 12 and older. Moderna’s bivalent booster dose is authorized for adults 18 and older.
The monovalent vaccines and boosters that have been available previously are based on the original strains of the COVID-19 virus.
Who is eligible for a COVID-19 booster?
The CDC recommends that everyone stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations by getting all primary series doses and boosters for their age group. You are only eligible for a COVID-19 bivalent booster if:
- You are 12 years or older
- You received a primary series with any COVID-19 vaccine
- It has been least 2 months since the last dose of your primary vaccine series or your last booster dose.
Children ages 5-11 years who received a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine primary series are only eligible for the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster dose, at least 5 months after their last primary series dose.
Who is not eligible for any COVID-19 booster?
Those who are not currently eligible for any booster dose according to CDC guidance include:
- children ages 6 − 11 years who received Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine primary series, and
- children ages 4 years and younger.
COVID-19 Booster Vaccines for Children and Adults
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Age |
Booster Recommendation |
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6 months – 4 years old |
None authorized |
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5 – 11 years old |
Pfizer-BioNTech Monovalent Vaccine, only authorized for people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, 5 months after the last dose of primary series |
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12-17 years |
Pfizer-BioNTech Bivalent Vaccine |
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18 and older |
Moderna OR Pfizer-BioNTech Bivalent Vaccine |
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- Vaccines for children are safe, free, and effective.
- Everyone ages 6 months and older should be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Vaccination protects you and your child from becoming very ill, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.
- The vaccines have gone through the most intensive safety monitoring in US history and are safe and effective for adults and children. Since its authorization, millions of children ages 5 and up have safely received the vaccine.
- The vaccine is free. No insurance or ID is required. Immigration status will not be and is never a requirement for BPHC sponsored services.
Parents can find clinics and make appointments at the state's Vax Finder website. Parents who prefer to have their child vaccinated by their pediatrician should call their provider's office directly.
For more information:
Read our pediatric vaccine frequently asked questions (FAQ) in English or in another language.
- Spanish
- Haitian Creole
- Simplified Chinese
- Vietnamese
- Cape Verdean Creole
- Portuguese
- French
- Arabic
- Somali
Read our pediatric vaccine frequently asked questions (FAQ) for children 6 months to 5 years old in English. More languages coming soon.
Please see CDC COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children and teens for current information.
Map of vaccine sites in Boston
Back-to-School Vaccination Clinics
Walk-in clinics of the day
Visit these sites to get your primary or secondary dose, booster dose, or pediatric vaccine.
Monday, September 26
Dowling Building Ground Floor, 850 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
- 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Harvard Street at Prince Hall, 24 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02121
- 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Vaccines for ages 6 months and older)
Tufts Medical Center, 276 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111
- 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesday, September 27
Bruce Bolling Building, 2303 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02119
- 12 - 8 p.m.
Community Health Hub at Towns Field, 1565 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02122
- 4 - 6 p.m.
Dowling Building Ground Floor, 850 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
- 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, September 28
Dowling Building Ground Floor, 850 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
- 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Bruce Bolling Building, 2303 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02119
- 12 - 8 p.m.
Harbor Point by the Bay Complex, 24 Oyster Bay Road, Boston, MA 02125
- 4 - 8 p.m.
List of Boston vaccine sites
List of sitesSite Schedules may vary or change due to holidays and unforeseen circumstances, we recommend contacting these sites to confirm availability before showing up. One-day sites open to all residents ages 5 and older unless otherwise specified.
| Location | Vaccine information | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|
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Harbor Point by the Bay 24 Oyster Road, Dorchester MA, 02125 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for those 6 months and older. |
September 28 and October 26, from 4 - 8 p.m. |
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Helen Davis Leadership Academy 23 Leonard Street, Boston MA, 02122 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for those 6 months and older. |
September 30 and October 28, from 1 - 4:30 p.m. |
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Nurtury 38 Horadan Way, Roxbury MA, 02120 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for those 6 months and older. |
October 1, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
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Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement - Back to School City Hall, Boston MA |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for those 6 months and older. |
October 1, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
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Community Health Hub at Towns Field 1565 Dorchester Street, Boston MA, 02118 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for those 6 months and older. |
October 4, 11, 18 and 25, from 4 - 6 p.m. |
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Boston Missionary Baptist Community Center 336 Dudley Street, Roxbury MA, 02119 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for ages 6 months and up. |
October 7, and November 4, 11, 18, 25, and December 2, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
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Community Resource and Job Fair BCYF Holland 85 Olney Street, Dorchester MA, 02121 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for those 6 months and older. |
October 8, from 12 - 3 p.m. |
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Brazilian Women's group 697 Cambridge Street, Suite 106, Brighton MA, 02135 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for those 6 months and older. |
October 8, and 22, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. November 5 and 19, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. December 3 and 17, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
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Boston Adult Academy 20 Church Street, Boston MA, 02126 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for ages 6 months and up. |
October 13 and November 14, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
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Charlestown Boys and Girls Club 15 Green Street, Charlestown MA, 02129 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for ages 6 months and up. |
October 20, from 2 - 6 p.m. |
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3rd Annual Deatrich Wise Block Party at Mattapan Teen Center Hazelton Street Between Blue Hill Ave. and Fottler Street, Mattapan MA, 02126 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for those 6 months and older. |
October 22 from 12 - 4 p.m. |
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Fenway High School 67 Allegheny Street, Roxbury MA, 02120 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! Offering vaccines for ages 6 months and up. |
October 27, from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
Site schedules may vary or change due to holidays or unforeseen circumstances, we recommend calling these sites to confirm availability before showing up.
| Location | Vaccine information | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|
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Bruce Bolling Building - Ground Level 2302 Washington Street, Roxbury MA 02119 |
Located on the ground level, walk-ins only |
Tuesday through Saturday, from 12 - 8 p.m. |
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Charlestown - NEW Health 15 Tufts Street, Charlestown MA 02129 |
To register for the vaccine call 857-238-1141 |
Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
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Codman Square Health Center 637 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02124 |
Registration only, call 617-822-8271! All Boston residents ages 5 and up. |
Monday through Friday, 1 - 4:20 p.m. |
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CVS Locations Various |
All eligible priority groups can get the vaccine. Schedule an appointment at CVS. | Varies |
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The Dimock Center 30 Dimock Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 |
All Boston residents ages 12 and up can get the vaccine. Clinic located in the basement Please call 617-442-8800 (x2025) to schedule your appointment. Spanish-speaking operators are available. |
Mondays and Wednesdays, from 1 - 4:30 p.m. |
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DotHouse Health 1353 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02122 |
Walk-ins welcome! Now offering vaccines for people 6 months and older.
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Mondays, Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays, from 8:30 - 4 p.m. Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
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Dowling Building Ground Floor 850 Harrison Ave, South End, MA 02118 |
All Boston residents can get the vaccine Walk-ins available Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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East Boston Neighborhood Health Center 75 Paris Street, East Boston, MA 02128 |
All Boston residents can get the vaccine. An appointment is required. Call 617-568-4500 or schedule an appointment online |
Mondays and Tuesdays, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. and 1 - 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
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Fenway Health 142 Berkley Street, South End, MA 02116 |
All Boston residents can get the vaccine. Check for Fenway Health appointments. |
Varies |
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Fenway Health 1340 Boylston Street, Fenway, MA 02215 |
All Boston residents 18+ can get the vaccine. Check for Fenway Health appointments. |
Varies |
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Galaxy Pharmacy 543 Dorchester Ave, South Boston, 02127 |
All eligible priority groups can get the vaccine. To schedule an appointment call: 617-268-0800 | Varies |
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Gary Drug Company 59 Charles Street, Downtown, 02114 |
Registration encouraged, walk-ins available. | Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
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Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center 4199 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA 02131 |
Please call 617-323-4440 to schedule your appointment. All Boston residents ages 5 and up are eligible. |
By appointment Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Walk-ins welcome |
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Harvard Street at Prince Hall 24 Washington Street, Dorchester, MA 02121 |
Call the COVID team line at 617-245-8206 for an appointment. Walk-ins also welcome. Offering Pfizer for 6 months and older on Tuesdays and Saturdays only |
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays,Fridays, and Saturdays, Tuesdays, from 12 - 7 p.m. |
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Hyde Park YMCA 1137 River Street, Hyde Park, MA 02136 |
Walk-ins welcome! All Boston residents ages 5 and up. |
Fridays, 8 - 11 a.m. |
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Immigrant Family Services Institute 1626 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan, MA 02126 |
Walk-ins only! No appointment needed! |
Friday, from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 3 - 7 p.m. |
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MAC 9 Palmer Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 |
Walk-ins accepted, registration encouraged Call 614-422-1622 to make an appointment |
Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
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Mattapan Community Health Center 1575 Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan MA 02126 |
No appointment needed |
Mondays through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. and 3 - 4 p.m. |
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Melnea Cass Recreation Complex 120 Martin Luther King Blvd., Boston MA 02118 |
Visit the state's website for more information |
Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
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North End Waterfront Health - NEW Health 332 Hanover Street, Boston, MA 02113 |
To register for the vaccine call 857-238-1141 |
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. |
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Osco Locations Varies |
Schedule an appointment online. | Varies, call locations to confirm. |
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South Boston Community Health Center 409 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 |
If you are a patient and would like to be vaccinated, please request a vaccine appointment through your MyChart or call 617-826-1150. If you are not a SBCHC patient and are eligible for the vaccine, you can schedule an appointment through our online portal. SBCHC is vaccinating anyone 5 and up! Walk-ins welcome! |
Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
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South End Community Health Center 1601 Washington Street, South End, MA 02118 |
By appointment only! To schedule an appointment, visit the South End Health Center website or call 617-568-4500 |
Monday though Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
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Sullivan's Pharmacy and Medical Supply Inc 1 Corinth Street, Roslindale, 02131 |
Check our website for hours and appointments. | Varies |
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Tufts Medical Center 276 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111 |
Walk-ins welcome! Ages 6 months and up! |
Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
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Upham's Corner Health Center 415 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125 |
All eligible Boston residents can get the vaccine. Vaccination is by appointment only! |
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3 - 5:30 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
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Vinh's Brothers Pharmacy 1365-1377 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, 02122 |
Call to confirm 617-282-9800. | Varies |
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Walgreens Locations Varies |
All eligible priority groups can get the vaccine. Check availability or schedule an appointment online. | Varies |
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Whittier Street Health Center - Main Site 1290 Tremont Street, Roxbury MA 02119 |
Appointment required. Register on our website. |
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Family Medicine) and 5 - 8 p.m. (Pediatrics) Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Location | Vaccine information | Days of operation |
|---|---|---|
|
Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center 150 S Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 |
Available to all veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. |
Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
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West Roxbury VA Medical Center 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132 |
Available to all veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system. |
Fridays, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. |
Help for seniors
Older Boston residents that are interested in the COVID vaccine and who need help with online registration or transportation should call 3-1-1 for help. Ask to be connected to the Age Strong Commission for vaccine assistance. Eligible Massachusetts residents can also call 2-1-1 if they need help for registration.
More resources
Find City of Boston resources and more.
How to make your vaccination appointment and get ready for it.
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines that meet the FDA's rigorous scientific standards.
These school-based clinics are for BPS students and their families.
For medical professionals
If you are a medical professional and want to volunteer to administer the vaccine, visit the Boston Medical Reserve Corps website. Email volunteer@bphc.org for more information.
