Mass. launches vaccination effort at long-term care facilities

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — With two COVID-19 vaccines now available, Massachusetts will begin inoculating residents of long-term care facilities Monday.

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The federal government partnered with CVS and Walgreens to administer vaccines, which will be provided free of charge.

The pandemic has now claimed the lives of 1 in 1,000 Americans, with residents of long-term care facilities suffering the highest death rate.

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Nearly two-thirds of the COVID-19 deaths in Massachusetts were residents of such homes, according to data provided by the state.

Today marks a critical and hopeful milestone in our fight against Covid-19 with the first wave of vaccines being distributed today in nursing facilities across the Commonwealth. Many nursing facilities are reporting more than 90% of residents have consented to receiving the vaccine and a growing number of staff are planning to be vaccinated. This is a testament to the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, as well as ongoing education efforts by many including bi-lingual materials Mass Senior Care has made available to assist nursing facilities in educating residents, their families and staff. Mass Senior Care will continue to monitor the vaccine roll out closely to ensure that the safety and well-being of our residents and their caregivers are appropriately prioritized.

—  Tara Gregorio , Massachusetts Senior Care Association President

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