Mass. To Allow Residents Accompanying Elderly To Also Receive Vaccine

Massachusetts is expanding its COVID-19 distribution in an effort to get more seniors vaccinated.

The state will allow residents accompanying any individual 75 or older to get the vaccine to schedule their own appointment on the same day beginning Thursday (February 11), NBC Boston reports.

Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said the decision was made to allow trusted family, friends, neighbors or caregivers to get vaccinated along with vulnerable seniors after discussions with councils on aging and other advocated for older adults.

Mass vaccination sites such as Gillette Stadium and Fenway Park are handicap accessible, however, can be unfamiliar and intimidating and the belief is that allowing trusted companions to also get vaccinated should encourage more residents 75 and older to show up.

A caregiver will also be eligible for their first dose of the vaccine even if the elderly patient is on their second dose.

A caregiver must schedule their own appointment online for the same date and location as the 75 or older patient. Only one person accompanying the elderly patient can be eligible for a same day vaccination.

Massachusetts residents can schedule appointments online for a 75 or older individual or caregiver at mass.gov/covidvaccine. The caregiver must schedule two separate appointments either at the same or adjacent time to the elderly patient.

Companions can select the option "I am accompanying someone who is age 75+ to their vaccination appointment and my appointment is the same day" on the website. Anyone without internet access can instead schedule appointments by calling 2-1-1.

Photo: Getty Images