Governor Charlie Baker defended his decision to allow Massachusetts inmates to be vaccinated before the general public on Wednesday (January 13.)
The state of Massachusetts reports about 94,000 individuals within congregate care settings, which includes group homes, shelters, residential treatment programs and correctional facilities, will be eligible for vaccinations beginning on Monday, which means inmates will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before the elderly and individuals with serious pre-existing health problems.
"There are 4,500 public employees who work in the state's correctional system who are every bit as much at risk as the inmates there," Baker said via NBC Boston. "From our point of view, congregate facilities are congregate facilities and we need to make sure that for the people who work there and the people who live there -- because of the possibility of outbreak and the heightened risk of close quarters -- that should be a place where we focus early."
Baker also noted that inmates have visitors from non-prisoners, including family members, lawyers and advocates, who could then spread the virus outside of the facility.
"I don't think you can draw a bright line that says you're only going to vaccinate one half of the population," Baker said via NBC Boston.
Baker said he wasn't sure how many inmates would opt to receive the voluntary vaccine as of Wednesday.
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