DANVERS, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Governor Charlier Baker announced changes to the state's coronavirus vaccination plan Wednesday, in an effort to get more Massachusetts residents inoculated against COVID-19.
Gov. Baker said any caregiver or companion can now get a COVID-19 shot on the same day that they assist a senior resident to their vaccine appointment.
"Effective Thursday, February 11th, at mass vaccination sites, an individual who is accompanying a person age 75 or older to get the vaccine may schedule their own appointment to be vaccinated on the same day," Baker's office said in a statement.
A caregiver must schedule their own appointment online for the same day and location as the 75 or older resident, and only one caregiver may accompany a 75 or older resident, Baker said.
Also on Feb. 11th, Baker said 74,000 new appointments will be posted online for mass vaccination sites and pharmacies at locations statewide.
"Approximately 30,000 additional appointments will be posted over the course of the week at pharmacies, totaling over 100,000 new appointments this week for mass vaccination sites and pharmacies," Baker's office said.
There are currently more than 130 vaccination sites in Massachusetts. Gov. Baker said his Administration is also adding 30 new retail pharmacy sites and 2 additional mass vaccination sites; one in Natick that will open on Monday Feb. 22nd, and one in Dartmouth that will open on Wednesday, Feb. 24th.
Although Gov. Baker said last week the National Guard would not be needed to assist, some Guard members are now working at select vaccination sites.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal reports:
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Written by Brit Smith
(Photo: Getty Images)