Coronavirus vaccine: State companion program causing confusion

BOSTON — The state’s new companion program is now causing confusion.

Governor Charlie Baker announced that companions could only sign up with someone over 75 at the mass sites like Fenway or Gillette. The state says the concept for the companion program was to get more 75 and over to these larger venues by letting them bring someone regardless of their age -- and both would be inoculated.

Now, the larger sites may not be the only locations doing this.

Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur says his community is going to allow it at their vaccination clinic on February 17 inside the Melrose Memorial Hall.

“This is a way to help seniors that might have a real challenge or concern and don’t want to go all the way to a Gillette or Fenway,” said Mayor Brodeur.

Melrose is limiting it to their residents but the companion can be from another town. They are encouraging the local seniors to try to find a companion in town if at all possible.

Boston 25 News Reporter Robert Goulston asked the mayor if there was any concern about the companion program taking up vaccine supply.

“We talked about that and we feel very comfortable or we wouldn’t have gone forward. It’s about getting shots in arms with the priorities the state has,” said Mayor Brodeur.

Melrose and the other towns in their health collaboration will take turns offering the clinic.

“For the 75 and over we are rotating through communities to create that comfort level,” said Mayor Brodeur.

The state told us Friday they are getting positive feedback from senior groups about the companion program but they would not elaborate on whether this will be offered at the local clinics moving forward.

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