Mass. Governor Moves Up Residents 65 and Older in Vaccination Priority

The Patriot Ledger reports that Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker this week announced plans to move residents 65 or older ahead of teachers for COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as add dozens of new vaccine sites by Feb. 15. He said the policy's success hinges on the availability of vaccine from the federal government, adding that supply continues to be one of the biggest obstacles in the state's ability to immunize more people. Baker said by the end of this week there would be 103 public vaccination sites open at pharmacies, retail chains, and other providers, including a new mass vaccination site at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield opening on Friday and capable of administering up to 242,000 shots per week. The number of vaccine clinics should reach 165 by mid-February, with the capacity to administer up to 305,000 doses per week. Baker also said that starting Feb. 1, residents 75 and older will qualify for COVID-19 vaccination as the state opens the second phase of its distribution plan. Residents 65 and older have been prioritized in Phase 2 and will join those with two or more high-risk conditions in the second group to become eligible in the next phase sometime next month.