| GLOUCESTER — Public Health Director Karin Carroll and the Gloucester Health Department wish to update the community on the city’s vaccination rates and efforts. |
| According to the state’s most recent Municipality Vaccination Report, 31.7% of the total population of Gloucester has received at least the first dose of a vaccine. As of March 16, 25% of Massachusetts residents had received at least one dose, and 26% of Essex county residents had. |
| “It’s exciting to see more and more residents becoming eligible and receiving the vaccine, and we’re relieved to see our community becoming increasingly protected against this disease,†Director Carroll said. “The vaccine is a key tool in combating this pandemic and keeping people healthy, and although we still have weeks and months ahead of us in this pandemic, this is a hopeful turning point for many.†|
| To learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) click here. |
| Residents are also reminded that all three currently authorized vaccines (the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines) have met the FDA’s strict requirements, and were also reviewed by a group of infectious disease experts in Massachusetts who have determined they are safe and effective, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. |
| Residents can preregister for an appointment at a mass vaccination site by clicking here, check for available vaccination appointments once they are eligible here, and are encouraged to contact their local pharmacies to learn about vaccination opportunities as well. To book an at-home vaccination appointment through the State Homebound Vaccination Central Intake Line call 833-983-0485. Senior Care Inc. provides transportation to vaccination sites through their volunteer Medical Transportation service program for self-mobile residents 60-years-old and older, and for more information or to seek out transportation for an appointment, call 978-281-1750. |
City reflects on local vaccination efforts
| While the majority of vaccinations are now being distributed through mass vaccination sites and other regional and private sites listed at vaxfinder.mass.gov, the City of Gloucester lead an early charge in distributing the vaccine locally in the beginning phases of the state’s distribution plan, when local municipalities had more opportunities to organize clinics. |
| In early March, a mobile team of nurses, paramedics, and administrative staff deployed to the Gloucester Housing Authority’s five public affordable senior housing sites to vaccinate approximately 140 residents and staff there with the Moderna vaccine. Vaccinations were given door-to-door to ensure accessibility and mobility issues were not a hindrance to receiving the vaccine. |
| The City has also fully vaccinated 500 residents eligible under phases one and two of the state’s distribution plan, and provided 60 people with their first dose. These vaccinations have all taken place over the past few months at the Rose Baker Senior Center. The Gloucester Health Department coordinated its efforts to identify eligible individuals with Senior Care Inc. and the Rose Baker Senior Center, who have worked tirelessly answering calls and emails to help eligible residents access vaccination opportunities. |
| “I am tremendously proud of the local vaccination opportunities we were able to coordinate, and would like to thank everyone who stepped up to make those opportunities possible,†Director Carroll said. “It took a lot of dedication and hours, and as a result we were able to lay an early foundation in Gloucester and on Cape Ann for those identified as either being at a high risk because of their occupation, age or health to get vaccinated.†|
|
