Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Free At-Home COVID Test Kits

The Federal Government has launched a website for Americans to order at-home rapid Covid-19 testing kits.  Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home Covid-19 tests. The tests are completely free. 

Please use the link below to order your kits:

COVIDtests.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests

Omicron Variant Detected in Massachusetts Residents urged to get COVID-19 vaccine, booster

BOSTON (December 4, 2021) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that genetic sequencing has identified the COVID-19 Omicron variant for the first time in a case in Massachusetts. The individual is a female in her 20s and a resident of Middlesex County who traveled out of state. She is fully vaccinated, has experienced mild disease, and did not require hospitalization. The variant was identified through sequencing performed at New England Biolabs.

While Omicron is classified by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization as a Variant of Concern, scientists are still working to determine how it may compare with the predominant Delta variant in terms of transmissibility and disease severity. There is some limited evidence that Omicron could be more transmissible than other COVID-19 virus variants, including Delta. This variant is being monitored closely by public health authorities around the world, and more information about what we know about Omicron is available on the CDC website.

All three COVID-19 vaccines in use in the U.S have been shown to be highly protective against severe disease resulting in hospitalization or death due to known COVID-19 variants and remain the single best way for people to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community from COVID-19. There are over 1,000 locations across the Commonwealth to get vaccinated or receive a booster. The vaccine is free, and no ID or insurance is required for vaccination. Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov for a list of vaccination locations.

Other public health prevention measures that help stop the spread of COVID-19 variants include: getting tested and staying home if you are sick, frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer, following masking requirements, and telling your close contacts if you test positive for COVID-19 so they can take appropriate steps. To learn more about protecting yourself from COVID-19, visit www.mass.gov/covidvaccine.

Residents are also urged to enable MassNotify on their smartphone. The service can be accessed through both Android and iPhone settings; it is NOT an application that can be obtained through an app store. This private and anonymous service notifies users of a potential exposure to COVID-19 so they may take the appropriate precautions. For more information and instructions on enabling MassNotify on your smartphone, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-more-about-massnotify.

The State Public Health Laboratory, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and several hospital and academic laboratories have all contributed to sequencing efforts in Massachusetts during the pandemic. This sequencing data contributes to the tracking of clusters and patterns of disease spread. This in-state laboratory capacity to sequence variants allows Massachusetts to not have to rely on out-of-state laboratories.

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Tool for Residents to Access COVID-19 Digital Vaccine Card

“My Vax Records” Provides New Option to Access Vaccine History and QR Code to Verify COVID-19 Vaccination

BOSTON– The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a tool that gives residents a new way to access their COVID-19 digital vaccine card and vaccination history. The new tool, called My Vax Records, allows people who received their vaccination in Massachusetts to access their own vaccination history and generate a COVID-19 digital vaccine card, which would contain similar vaccination information to a paper CDC card. The COVID-19 digital vaccine cards produced by the system utilize the SMART Health Card platform and generate a QR code that can be used to verify vaccination.  The Administration is not requiring residents to show proof of vaccination to enter any venue, but this tool will help residents who would like to access and produce a digital copy of their record.

Access the new tool at MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov.

How It Works: The new tool is easy to use: a person enters their name, date of birth, and mobile phone number or email associated with their vaccine record. After creating a 4-digit PIN, the user receives a link to their vaccine record that will open upon re-entry of the PIN.

The electronic record shows the same information as a paper CDC vaccine card: name, date of birth, date of vaccinations, and vaccine manufacturer. It also includes a QR code that makes these same details readable by a QR scanner, including smartphone apps. Once the SMART Health Card is received, users are able to save the QR code to their phone, such as the Apple Wallet, screenshot the information and save it to their phone’s photos, or print out a copy for a paper record. The system follows national standards for security and privacy.

This system provides an optional way that residents can access their vaccination information and a COVID-19 digital vaccine card. This will provide residents with another tool to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, should it be requested by businesses, local governments, or other entities.

The system leverages the Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), the official database used by health care providers across the state to record vaccination information. The system relies on hundreds of providers inputting demographic and health information. Some users may not be able to immediately find their record, or may find an incomplete record. Residents whose record cannot be found or is incomplete can either contact their health care provider or contact the MIIS team to update their records. Learn more about the tool and view frequently-asked-questions at www.mass.gov/myvaxrecord.

Massachusetts has worked with VCI,™ a voluntary coalition of public and private organizations which developed the open-source SMART Health Card Framework in use by other states. The VCI coalition is dedicated to improving privacy and security of patient information, making medical records portable and reducing healthcare fraud.

My Vax Records is just one way residents can obtain their COVID vaccination record. Pharmacies that administered the COVID vaccine and many health care providers also are making SMART Health Cards available, or are providing additional options. Learn more.

Updated COVID Vaccination Information

Visit COVID-19 booster frequently asked questions for information about boosters.

Latest Numbers

• As of 11/3 4,743,156 people in Massachusetts have been fully vaccinated.

Who to Vaccinate this Week 

• Anyone age 5 and older who lives, works, or studies in Massachusetts is eligible for a vaccine. Health care providers can also vaccinate their patient panels regardless of place of residency.
• New Effective11/2/2021, CDC recommends Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years. The Pfizer pediatric (5-11 years of age) vaccine formulation:
  • Comes as a multiple dose vial with an orange cap and a label with an orange border
  • The vials and cartons state ‘for age 5 years to <12 years’
  • Must be diluted
  • Primary series of 2 doses (0.2 mL each) 3 weeks apart in individuals 5 through 11 years of age
  • Is NOT interchangeable with the 12 and older formulations
  • See the Factsheet for preparation and administration information
  • CDC webpage on COVID-19 Vaccination for Children 5-11 Years Old
• Effective 10/21/2021, CDC recommends a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines in certain populations. There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. See below for more information.
  • Certain individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster shot 6 months or more after their initial series.
  • All people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to get a booster shot if it has been at least 2 months since their primary dose. 
• Effective 8/13/21,CDC recommendsthat people who are moderately to severely immunocompromisedreceive an additional dose of an mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) at least 28 days after the completion of the initial mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series.                     

What to Know this Week

NewPfizer COVID-19 vaccine authorized by FDA and CDC for children ages 5-11 years

On November 2, 2021, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine.

• CDC webpage on COVID-19 Vaccination for Children 5-11 Years Old
• CDC Press Release: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1102-PediatricCOVID-19Vaccine.html

On 10/29/2021, the FDA amended Pfizer-BioNTech’s Emergency Use Authorization to allow the vaccine to be administered to children ages 5 to 11 years. FDA resources are available at:

• Press Release
• Updated Pfizer Factsheets
• Pfizer HCP Factsheet5-11 years, orange cap, must dilute
• Pfizer Recipient Factsheet  5-11 years, orange cap, must dilute

NEW – COVID VACCINATION and TEST CLINICS

TEST CLINICS
Massachusetts Stop the Spread drive-thru testing site at the Cape Cod Melody Tent, 21 West Main Street Hyannis, MA 02601. 

Free PCR testing and Walk-Ins welcome

Mondays: 9AM -1PM
Tuesdays: 1PM – 6PM
Wednesdays: 9AM-1PM 

VACCINATION CLINICS
MA Department of Public Health Vaccination Clinics at Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Road West Barnstable, MA 02668

Sundays: 12PM – 6PM
Tuesdays: 8AM – 2PM
Thursdays: 8AM – 2PM

Register at:  COVID-19 Vaccine Availability | Mass.gov

Now Available: Pfizer COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations

Pfizer COVID-19 Booster shots are now available to:

• Individuals 65 years of age and older.
• Individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to certain underlying medical conditions as defined by the CDC.
• Individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings.

To view more information from the CDC, please click here.

If you are eligible, here are the steps to find a convenient location for getting a Pfizer COVID-19 Booster:

1. Visit the Vaxfinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of hundreds of locations to receive a booster. Residents will be able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering boosters, with some appointments available now for booking. Additional appointments are expected to come online in the coming days.  Many locations will be booking appointments out weeks in advance.
2. For individuals who are unable to use Vaxfinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9AM-2PM) by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts is available for assistance. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available to in approximately 100 additional languages.

Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. Fully vaccinated residents should receive a COVID-19 booster shot when they are eligible and as vaccines are authorized by the CDC.  The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster.  Additional information on the COVID-booster, including FAQs, can be found at Mass.gov/COVID19booster.

Individuals can check if they are eligible for a booster using the eligibility tool at mass.gov/BoosterCheck.

As more information becomes available on booster vaccines for individuals who have received either the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccine, the MA Department of Public Health will provide updated information.

Quick Links to Local COVID Vaccine Distributors

Barnstable County Health Department (Covid-19 helpline 774-330-3001)
www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/vaccine-information

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Vaccine Availability | Mass.gov

CVS Pharmacy: www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
(Orleans, Harwich, Dennis, Yarmouth)

Walgreens Pharmacy: www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine_landing_schedule
(Orleans, Dennis, Yarmouth)

Massachusetts Public Health Officials Encourage Residents ages 16 and 17 to get Pfizer COVID-19 Booster

BOSTON (December 10, 2021) — Following newly updated recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health today announced that all adolescents ages 16 and 17 are able get their Pfizer COVID booster if they are at least 6 months post their initial Pfizer vaccination series.

Adolescents ages 16 and 17 are able to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 booster from more than 500 locations in Massachusetts including at retail pharmacies, primary care practices, regional collaboratives, local boards of health, community health centers, hospital systems, state-supported vaccination sites and mobile clinics.

Options for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:

1. Parents who prefer to have their adolescent vaccinated by their primary care provider should call their provider’s office directly.
2. Visit the VaxFinder website at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a list of available locations. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering the Pfizer COVID booster.
3. For individuals unable to use VaxFinder, or who have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 2 PM) is available by calling 2-1-1. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

Visit www.mass.gov/covid19booster for more information or visit the CDC website here.

Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a vaccine and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a vaccine.  

Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccine administration, including adolescent vaccination. Over 91% of residents ages 5+ have received at least one dose, and 96% of adults (18+) have received at least one dose. Over 4.9 million individuals, 71% of the population, are fully vaccinated.

Mask Advisory for Brewster Town Buildings Effective 8/10/2021

Effective August 10, 2021, all Town staff and visitors, fully vaccinated or not, are STRONGLY ADVISED to wear masks or face coverings when indoors at any public Town of Brewster building or facility until further notice. Outdoor activities are currently not considered higher risk for the spread of COVID, and therefore, masks in outdoor settings is not recommended unless individuals will be in close proximity to non-family or non-work cohorts for an extended period of time.