City to Hold Four Flu Vaccination Clinics in October and November

“The last thing our health professionals need is to be fighting two infectious diseases at once. (...) We’re all waiting for a COVID-19 vaccination to become available, but each of us can get a flu shot right now.”
–Mayor Joe Curtatone

The City of Somerville has set up four free flu vaccination clinics for residents in October and November that will be open by appointment. The City is also partnering with schools to offer additional clinics to students. Residents are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine to protect their health as well as to support the community’s efforts to lessen the impacts of both influenza and the coronavirus. 

Clinics are for anyone ages 3 and up, with or without health insurance. As a coronavirus safety measure, attendees must make an appointment in advance so that staff can safely manage the flow of those seeking vaccinations (sign up information is below). City flu clinics offer both the high dose vaccine for persons 65 and older and the standard dose vaccine for those under 65.

“We offer flu clinics every year, but the need for them is elevated this winter,” said Mayor Joe Curtatone. “The last thing our health professionals need is to be fighting two infectious diseases at once. Given the loss of life in our community and around our nation due to the coronavirus pandemic, we need to do all we can to make sure this is the tamest possible flu season. We’re all waiting for a COVID-19 vaccination to become available, but each of us can get a flu shot right now.”

Flu Clinic Details & Schedule

Before You Go

Pre-registration at somervillema.gov/flu is required for all City flu clinics. If you need assistance to sign up, call the Health & Human Services Department at 617-625-6600 x4300. For all clinics, up to four people per household can be registered for an appointment, and face coverings must be worn. Those who have health coverage should bring their insurance cards (including MassHealth and Medicare) with them, but the vaccines are free to all Somerville residents regardless of whether they have insurance.

• Seniors and Veterans only, Thursday, Oct. 1: The first clinic will be for seniors and Veterans only this Thursday, October 1, at 167 Holland Street (the TAB building) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Council on Aging and Veterans Services have been reaching out to seniors and Veterans directly to schedule them, but all Somerville seniors and Veterans are welcome. Seniors who require assistance registering for the Oct. 1 clinic may also call the Council on Aging at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300. 
• Drive-up clinics for all residents Oct. 17 and Nov. 7: 
  • Saturday, October 17, Somerville Department of Public Works site at 1 Franey Rd. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 7, Somerville Department of Public Works site at 1 Franey Rd. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Walk-up clinic for all residents: Tuesday, November 3, at the East Somerville Community School at 50 Cross St. from 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. 
• School clinics for students and families: See below.
• Other providers: Local pharmacies also offer free flu vaccinations, and residents may also seek flu vaccinations from their medical provider.

“Free flu vaccines are widely available and we are urging everyone to make sure they are fully immunized against the disease this winter,” said Doug Kress, Somerville’s Director of Health and Human Services. “We hope to vaccinate as many people as possible via the City clinics, but there is plenty of flu vaccine available right now from doctors and pharmacies. We encourage people to get vaccinated wherever it is most convenient for them to do so.”

School Flu Clinics

School-aged students are required by the State to receive a flu vaccination before returning to in-person schooling. Currently, Somerville expects to start a phased reopening of its schools on December 1. Thanks to a partnership between school nurses and public health officials, many of Somerville’s public schools as well as Prospect Hill Academy will be hosting additional walk-up and drive-up flu vaccine clinics for students and their families. Somerville Public School families should check with their school or on their school website to find out details for clinic dates and times at those facilities.

For more information and regular COVID-19 updates, visit www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus and sign up for City alerts at www.somervillema.gov/Alerts. We urge you to sign up for every alert method you are able to receive: phone call, text, email. Also follow FB.com/SomervilleCity and @SomervilleCity.