January 26, 2021: Last Friday, Shawn Duhamel reported on a request we made last week to the state of Massachusetts to prioritize the vaccination of all adults age 65+. I am happy to report that Governor Charlie Baker has heeded this request and that the vast majority of our members will soon be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Governor has announced that beginning February 1st, all adults age 75+ will be eligible to receive the vaccine as Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout begins. Adults age 65+ AND individuals with 2+ comorbidities will be eligible in the next step of Phase 2, which is anticipated to begin in mid-February.
Mass Retirees made the decision to file a formal request with Governor Baker and state leaders after carefully reviewing the available data applicable to Massachusetts. It is an undeniable fact that the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and, sadly, death from COVID-19 significantly increases for those over the age of 64. This leaves our members highly vulnerable.
Now that our front-line hospital workers, first responders, long term care facilities and others covered under Phase 1 have received or are now receiving the vaccine, it is time to expand eligibility to others at high risk.
I also want to thank House Speaker Ron Mariano and Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey for the role each has played to help ensure that every possible step is taken to protect retirees. In addition, we greatly appreciate the assistance provided to us by State Senator Cindy Friedman, as well as the office of Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders – both of whom are members of the Vaccine Taskforce. Senator Friedman, with whom we have long maintained a close relationship, has been especially helpful in providing us with factual information and insight through this process.
There are still many unanswered questions regarding the specifics and logistics of receiving the vaccination. Additional detailed information, along with a growing number of vaccination sites are becoming available each day. We plan to have the latest information to you at the end of this week.
Starting Wednesday, adults age 75+ will be able to make their appointments online through the state’s COVID Map website. Vaccinations are available by appointment only. Click here for the latest information. Please keep in mind that the rollout of the vaccine remains fluid, with new vaccination sites being added to the list each day.
Please look to Friday’s weekly news update for additional information.
On a personal note, I plan to receive the vaccine once it is available and strongly encourage our members to do so.
Meanwhile, please stay safe and continue to follow public health guidelines.
Most sincerely,
Frank Valeri
President
Mass Retirees Association