Covid-19 Vaccine update from Harwich Health Director
January 15, 2021
Good afternoon, this is Harwich Health Director Meggan Eldredge with a COVID-19 vaccine update. The vaccine distribution plan is controlled by the Department of Public Health and can be reviewed on the mass.gov 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 1st. The health department is not holding clinics for these two groups. Options for eligible people to obtain a vaccine during Phase 1 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 when 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
Please remember that Harwich remains a high risk community. Over the last two weeks there have been 103 new cases in town, resulting in a positivity rate of 6.84%. Take extra care to social distance during this surge.
Thank you and stay safe.