Baker announces caregiver option to get vaccinated with elder companionDate: 2/15/2021 MASSACHUSETTS – Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Feb. 10 that, beginning the next day, a caregiver who brings residents aged 75 and older to a mass vaccination site can also receive a vaccination.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people over 75 to get vaccinated, Baker said.
Appearing at the Danvers DoubleTree Hotel, a mass vaccination site, the governor explained that seniors are often hesitant to “burden” someone by asking them to drive them to be vaccinated. By allowing that companion to make an appointment at the same time, he hopes it will encourage the 75 and up population to get their vaccinations.
The companion can be any one friend, relative, or other caregiver. A companion can also receive their first shot while accompanying a senior for their second dose. The process is to schedule both appointments as close as possible, however, Baker said that if that is not possible, the sites will still administer the vaccines to both people at the same time and the same location.
So far, the only mass vaccination site in Western Massachusetts is at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield.
Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders warned residents in the currently eligible categories not to accept the help of strangers who call and offer to bring residents to appointments to take advantage of the vaccination opportunity.
Sudders emphasized that mass vaccination sites have accessible parking, bathrooms and seating. She asked people to remain in their vehicles until 15 minutes before their appointments to avoid crowding and lines.
"We strive to provide a no line experience,” Sudders said and emphasized that patients should not arrive early.
Baker noted that residents who have trouble accessing the website can call 211 for help registering for a vaccine appointment.
“We want to make sure all the folks who can possibly make it, do,” Baker said. “There’s definitely light at the end of this tunnel.”
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