With vaccine eligibility expanded in MA, will young adults get them?

BOSTON — Every adult in Massachusetts is now eligible to get the coronavirus vaccine including 16- and 17-year-olds. But will they and other young adults get them? Most tell Boston 25 News that they will.

“Yeah, I’m very excited,” said Julia Cabrera of Roslindale.

Cabrera said she can’t wait and that it’s manly to protect her family.

“Most of family is getting it, and I’m just happy to get in with everyone else,” Cabrera said.

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A recent study published in the journal Science shows young adults are major spreaders of the COVID-19. So, health experts said getting them vaccinated is an important step on the road to herd immunity.

“It’s essential to get as many people vaccinated as rapidly as we can, but since it’s going to take time, everybody who is still awaiting to get vaccinated has to continue to wear a mask,” said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, who is the chief of Brigham and Women’s Infectious Diseases Department.

But some teens did say they are hesitant.

“I don’t know. For me it’s up to my parents,” said Jaden Mazara, who is just 17-years-old.

Mazara said his mom is waiting and that means so is he.

“My mom listens to the good things and listens to the bad things, and at the end of the day she leans toward the bad things,” Mazara said.

However, he also said his friends are all on board to get their shots.

>>>MORE: General public eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

“All my friends are getting it and stuff, and so far so good. All say they have no complaints about it whatsoever,” Mazara said.

In fact, most young people tell Boston 25 News they want it and for a good reason.

“Yeah, I think everyone is seeing getting the vaccine as a way to get back to normal and stop following the guidelines to a certain degree,” said Nithila Ramin, who is a Northeastern University student.

The state said, on average, expect up to a couple of weeks to get an appointment. Of course, that all hinges on federal vaccine supply.

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