Seniors' Trusted Companions Now Also Can Be Vaccinated at Some Sites in Mass.

WBUR reports that Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's administration this week began allowing anyone who accompanies an eligible senior to one of the state's mass COVID-19 vaccination sites to receive a shot themselves. State Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said this policy — which permits trusted family, friends, neighbors, or caregivers to get inoculated along with vulnerable seniors — was crafted after consultation with councils on aging and other senior advocates. Companions of people who are at least 75 years old also will be offered vaccinations at community health centers, and they may have access at clinics operated by local health departments as well — albeit at their discretion. "They are allowed, but can make their own decision on whether to offer that," said Maddie Ribble at the Massachusetts Public Health Association. She added that local health departments do not anticipate receiving additional vaccine doses for companions. Not all vaccination sites will offer shots to seniors' companions, so people should consider calling their community clinic or hospital to confirm before setting up appointments.