State Ramps Up Flu Vaccine Measures Even as Strain Mutates

The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced its latest effort to make it easier for Massachusetts residents to get flu vaccines at a time when concerns are being expressed about the emergence of a new strain of the virus. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a new standing order authorizing qualified health personnel in local boards of health to administer the influenza vaccine to eligible individuals this respiratory virus season, based on DPH’s recommendations.

“Local boards of health play a vital role in vaccine administration in Massachusetts, particularly for vulnerable populations, which often include residents who are uninsured and under-insured,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “This standing order will make it easier for boards of health across the state to administer the flu vaccine. This is especially important this year, as we anticipate rising flu activity and the potential for a significant surge. Getting vaccinated will reduce the burden of this easily transmitted and potentially dangerous respiratory disease across the state.”

Prior to the standing order, local public health qualified personnel could administer flu vaccines only if the municipality had a health care provider’s sign off, which made it more difficult for residents, especially the most vulnerable, to obtain a flu shot. Now, with the new statewide standing order, all local public health qualified personnel can provide the flu vaccine, regardless of whether the local health department has a provider’s order. This is an important change in making flu vaccine more widely available across the state. Residents should reach out to their local public health department for more information on obtaining a flu vaccine.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, or death. DPH recommends that all individuals 6 months of age and older receive the influenza vaccination annually to protect against seasonal flu, as well as potentially severe consequences.

The new flu vaccine standing order follows a standing order DPH issued in the fall authorizing qualified health personnel in local boards of health to administer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible individuals this respiratory virus season. Governor Healey also directed insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations.

The state’s recommendations align with those of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative and leading physician professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

In Massachusetts, vaccines are covered by insurance and are available free of charge, including through community health centers and local public health departments.

To find a vaccine location near you, visit vaccinefinder.org.