February 5, 2021
The Town of Shrewsbury would like to acknowledge all of the fears, anxiety, stress, frustration, and uncertainty that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented. It has been draining for everyone and we want you to know that you are not alone. Whereas, the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine has been slow and at times confusing, the good news is that there is a vaccine and eventually, we will all have the opportunity to get vaccinated! We know it’s hard to be patient but we have to band together and look forward to the “light at the end of the tunnel.”
The State of Massachusetts is currently in Phase 2, Step 1 (Effective February 1, 2021) of the COVID-19 vaccination process.
The Town of Shrewsbury is part of the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance (CMRPHA) and receives shared public health services through the City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health (WDPH). The primary regional municipal sponsored vaccination site for those eligible to receive the vaccine is being coordinated by WDPH and is currently located at the Worcester Senior Center, 128 Providence Street, Worcester, MA. We are proud to say that many Shrewsbury first responders, as part of Phase 1, received vaccinations from this site starting the week of January 11, 2021. Shrewsbury will receive a dedicated allotment of appointments at this location to help ensure a representative amount of vaccinations are provided to our eligible residents in the appropriate vaccine phases. When appointments are available, we will communicate that to residents.
On Saturday, February 6, 2021, the first clinic for residents ages 75+ will be held at the Worcester Senior Center. The Shrewsbury Council on Aging was able to assist Shrewsbury residents to register for this clinic. Unfortunately, this clinic is currently full and no longer accepting registrations.
By continuing our successful regional partnership through the CMRPHA, we are ensuring that Shrewsbury residents have the greatest access to the vaccine. If Shrewsbury were to take this on alone we know that we would only receive 100 vaccine doses per week given the current limited supply. The regional allotment is currently capped at 975 vaccines per week, primarily with the Pfizer vaccine. Shrewsbury specific clinics will be offered at the Worcester Senior Center for eligible individuals throughout all phases of vaccine priority groups.
As more vaccine becomes available, residents will have a number of options to access the vaccine:
Shrewsbury Price Chopper, as well as nearby Wegmans in Northborough, are currently listed on the mass.gov vaccine landing page as locations for a COVID-19 vaccination.
On February 3, 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that additional pharmacies and grocery stores will be offering vaccine appointments over the next coming weeks.
Contact your primary care physician for vaccine availability
Additionally, on February 4, 2021 it was announced that Worcester State University will be a “super site” for mass vaccinations. This site will be open to all state residents starting February 16, 2021. Appointments can be made at www.mass.gov
Some healthcare systems, including UMass Memorial Healthcare, will begin vaccinating their patients and phase eligible public at the Mercantile Center in Worcester beginning next week.
Other mass vaccination sites include Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Danvers-Doubletree Hotel, and the Springfield - Eastfield Mall. Appointments can be made at www.mass.gov
As of today, a MA Call Center has been established to assist seniors and the general public in navigating the Commonwealth’s online appointment system. Call 2-1-1 and follow prompts to reach The Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line. The hours of operations are Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Massachusetts Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and will have translators available to support residents in approximately 100 additional languages. Individuals ages 75 and older will be able to speak to a representative live on the phone to assist them with an appointment through the state’s online system.
Our local Council on Aging is also available to support seniors through this process. You can reach them at 508-841-8640, Monday through Friday, 8AM-4:30PM.
Please note that currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is very limited across the Commonwealth. It could take 1 to 4 weeks or more to book an appointment. Wherever you receive your first dose, you will be required to receive your second dose at the same location. If you receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, you will receive the same vaccination type for your second dose.
We thank you all for your continued patience and willingness to comply with the Governor's orders to keep yourself and your fellow residents safe during this pandemic. This is a fluid situation and we will provide updated information as soon as we can.