Flurry Of Online Ads Offer Rides To Seniors Amid New Mass. Vaccine Policy

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A day after Gov. Charlie Baker announced a new caregiver vaccine policy, a flurry of advertisements have popped up across the internet from people saying they’d be willing to transport seniors to get vaccinated.

Under the new policy, which went into effect on Thursday, people accompanying a person 75 years old or older to a mass vaccination site can also get vaccinated on the same day.

“Any caregiver is eligible to receive the vaccine at the same site as their 75 year old partner. This includes a family member or a friend who is supporting someone who is 75 years old or older,” Baker said.

Soon after the announcement, advertisements started appearing on websites like Reddit or Craigslist.

One ad offered to take a senior to a vaccination site in their Lexus, as long as they get a shot too. Another offered $250 dollars to the senior to be able to go along and get vaccinated.

Gov. Baker responded to the influx of advertisements on Thursday, saying that the administration has seen "some pretty disturbing reports" of people trying to take advantage of the policy.

He added that those who are eligible for the shot and need transportation to their appointment should only accept a ride from someone they know or trust as their companion -- whether that be a child, spouse, neighbor or legal caregiver.

"If you’re contacted by somebody soliciting to take you to a [mass vaccination] site, please report it to the authorities," Baker said.

The state’s policy allows for only one person per senior, and appointments must be made for the same day at or around the same time. Appointments can be made online here.

WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports

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(Photo: Mass vaccination site at Gillette Stadium/Getty Images)


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