COVID-19 Vaccine Update 01.15.2021

January 15, 2021

Good afternoon, this is Harwich Health Director Meggan Eldredge with a COVID-19 update.  To date, Harwich has seen a cumulative total of 410 cases.  Over the last two weeks there have been 103 new cases in town, resulting in a positivity rate of 6.84%.  Harwich is considered a high risk area for infection due to community spread of the virus.

The health department is receiving many inquiries regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.  The vaccine distribution plan is controlled by the Department of Public Health and can be reviewed on their website.

This three phase plan prioritizes groups of people according to risk of infection and likelihood of complications or death as a result of COVID-19 infection. We are currently in the middle of Phase 1 of the plan.  First responders and congregate care settings are now eligible for a vaccine.  Employers of these groups have been made aware of the steps to take to get workers vaccinated.

The next two groups within Phase 1 include home-based healthcare workers and non-COVID facing healthcare workers. Vaccination of these groups is scheduled to begin on February 1^st. The health department is not holding clinics for these two groups. Obtaining a vaccine should be scheduled through employers of these groups or through a mass vaccination clinic that can be located on the state vaccine website. 

The first group of Phase 2 prioritizes people who are age 75 and over, people who have two or more comorbidities (high risk for COVID-19 complications), as well as residents and staff of public or private low income and affordable senior housing. This Phase is anticipated to begin once Phase 1 is complete, most likely in early February.

The Town of Harwich anticipates distributing vaccine to the people identified in this first group of Phase 2. Clinics will include a drive-thru option as well as accommodations for those unable to get to a vaccination site. Notification of the date, time and location of COVID vaccine clinics will be widespread. Other sources of the vaccine for this group will be available such as primary care providers, pharmacies and regional vaccination clinics. 

Please check the Town’s website before calling our office for information.   Two important websites:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-covid-19-vaccine-information

https://www.harwich-ma.gov/

Thank you and stay safe.