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.

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: