Vaccines

The City of Somerville follows ACIP/CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health vaccination recommendations. You can learn more about each vaccine recommendation at DPH recommended guidance for vaccines | Mass.gov

About influenza (flu) vaccines:

"Flu shots” protect against the four influenza viruses researchers believe will be most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines are given with a needle, usually in the arm, but there are also is a nasal spray flu vaccines available. Find out more about flu shots from the CDC.  

Everyone 6 months and older should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season. A full list of age and health factors that confer increased risk is available at People at Higher Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications. The CDC has information on who should and should NOT get a flu Vaccine. 

About COVID-19 vaccines: 

DPH Recommendations for use of the 2026-2027 COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Adolescents

Age Group	Recommendation
Children 6–23 months of age	Should receive age-appropriate 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccination. Children who are unvaccinated or did not complete an initial vaccination series should complete their initial series. Those who completed an initial series should receive one dose of the 2026–2027 vaccine at least 8 weeks after the last dose.
Children and adolescents 2–18 years of age with medical conditions associated with higher riskb of severe COVID-19	Should receive one dose of an age-appropriate 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine. This recommendation also applies to those whose household contacts are at higher risk for severe COVID-19.
Children and adolescents 2–18 years of age residing in long-term care facilities or other congregate settings	Should receive one dose of an age-appropriate 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine.
Healthy children and adolescents 2–18 years of age who have never been vaccinated	Should receive one dose of an age-appropriate 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine.
Healthy children and adolescents 2–18 years of age who do not fall into the categories above	May receive one dose of an age-appropriate 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine.

DPH Recommendations for use of the 2026-2027 COVID-19 Vaccines for Adults

Age Group	Recommendation
Adults 19–64 years of age	Should receive one dose of a 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine.
Adults 65 years of age and older	Should receive two doses of a 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine, with the second dose administered 6 months after the first.

DPH Recommendations for use of the 2026-2027 COVID-19 Vaccines for Special Populations

Population	Recommendation
All immunocompromisedd people aged ≥6 months	Should receive one dose of a 2026-2027 vaccine COVID-19 vaccine.
People who are pregnant, contemplating pregnancy, recently pregnant, or lactating	Should receive one dose of a 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine.
Healthcare personnel	Should receive one dose of a 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of age or underlying medical conditions.

For complete DPH vaccine guidance visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dph-recommended-vaccines

Protect Yourself & Your Community: COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines Available in Somerville

The best way to reduce your risk from these respiratory viruses and their potentially serious complications is to get a flu and Covid-19 vaccine every year. Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are conveniently offered at multiple locations across Somerville, improving access for all residents with no out-of-pocket costs. Please note:

• Vaccines are also offered to residents without health insurance.
• If you do have health insurance, please bring proof of coverage.
• Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
• Walk-in appointments are limited.
• See below for a vaccine clinic near you and help keep Somerville safe and healthy! 

Vaccines Offered:

• Influenza (flu) (for anyone age 6 months and older)
• High-Dose Influenza (for ages 65+)
• COVID-19 (ages 6 months and older per guidance) 

Please note that clinics are unable to accommodate vaccine manufacturer preferences. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at the City clinics listed below (see table).

Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics start October 8th! Please check back September 21st for registration links. 

In addition to the upcoming City of Somerville vaccination clinics above, you can get your vaccinations from local pharmacies or your doctor. Note, these options may include a fee, based on your health insurance.

Search for providers at vaccines.gov.

CHA and Mass General Brigham have vaccine sites in Somerville. CHA patients can make a vaccine appointment using MyCHArt or calling their primary care clinic.  Mass General Brigham patients can sign up on the Patient Gateway.

You can find vaccination sites in Massachusetts by calling 211, a free information and referral service to health and human services that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.