Get Vaccinated

Overview

It’s important to stay up-to-date on vaccines. Vaccination can help protect yourself and  stop the spread of many diseases to others.

For respiratory virus season (around late fall and winter), here’s a helpful guide on COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines from the American Medical Association.

2026 Vaccine Clinics Schedule

Below are the dates and locations for the Cambridge Public Health Department public vaccine clinics in October. Registration details will be available soon. COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available.

  • October 14, Cambridge Senior Center
  • October 15, King Open School 
  • October 21, Reservoir Church
  • October 28, Community Art Center
  • October 30, Cambridge Community Center

COVID-19 Vaccines 

On September 18, 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) issued its 2026-2027 COVID-19 recommendations. All individuals aged 6 months and older are eligible to receive the vaccine in Massachusetts. While anyone aged 6 months or older may receive the COVID-19 vaccine, certain groups are considered high risk and are specifically recommended for vaccination. A summary of the MDPH COVID-19 vaccine recommendations is below. 

Children and Adolescents

  • All Children 6-23 months
  • Children and Adolescents aged 2 – 18 years old who:
    • Are at high risk for severe COVID-19  (e.g., chronic conditions, immunocompromised status)
    • Live in a long-term care facility or other congregate setting
    • Have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
    • Have household members at high risk for severe COVID-19 
  • Healthy children and adolescents ages 2 – 18 who do not fall into the categories above may also receive the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against serious illness, decrease time missed from school, and decrease the spread of COVID-19 to others who are more vulnerable. 

Adults

  • Adults aged 65 and older should receive two doses of a 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine, with the second dose administered 6 months after the first
  • Healthy adults aged 19 – 64 should receive the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against serious illness and decrease the spread of COVID-19 to others who are more vulnerable. 

Special Populations

  • All immunocompromised people aged 6 months or older should receive the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine.
  • People who are pregnant, contemplating pregnancy, recently pregnant, or lactating should receive the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine.
  • All healthcare personnel should receive the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of age or underlying medical conditions.
  • A second COVID-19 vaccine may be given two to six months after the first vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider. 

COVID-19 vaccines are available at local pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Osco, and Inman Pharmacy as well as many primary care offices. You can find a location near you using vaccinefinder.org. 

Flu (Influenza) Vaccines

Flu vaccines are recommended every year for people aged 6 months and older. Children 6 months through 8 years should receive two flu vaccines at least four weeks apart if they never have received a flu vaccine or if their vaccination history is unknown. Learn more about the Pediatric Immunization Guidance on MDPH’s website. 

Most flu vaccines are “flu shots” given with a needle, but there is also a nasal spray flu vaccine. Healthy people ages 2 through 49 can get a nasal spray flu vaccine. 

Flu vaccines are covered by most Massachusetts health insurance plans. Most primary care offices and pharmacies offer flu vaccination. You can find a location near you using vaccinefinder.org. FluMist is also available to order to your home this year. 

RSV Vaccines and Immunizations

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines are recommended for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 50 – 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV. The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine and people who have already received one dose have completed their vaccination and do not need another dose at this time.

There are also two immunizations recommended to protect infants from severe RSV: A maternal RSV vaccine given during pregnancy or an RSV antibody given to infants after birth. The maternal RSV vaccine is recommended for people who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant during September through January in most of the U.S. Learn more about immunizations to protect infants. Individuals recommended for an RSV immunization should talk to their healthcare provider about receiving it. Please note: If you have already received a maternal RSV vaccine during any previous pregnancy, you don’t need another dose of RSV vaccine when you are pregnant again. Instead, your baby should receive a RSV antibody after birth.

Mpox Vaccines

Find locations offering the mpox vaccine in Massachusetts by visiting the state’s mpox vaccine information webpage. 

Routine Vaccines

Routine vaccines are needed for children, adults, pregnant people, and for some international travelers. Many primary care physicians (including pediatricians’ offices) and local pharmacies offer routine vaccines. See the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s vaccine recommendations. 

Individual vaccination needs vary depending on age, health conditions, and other factors; consult your healthcare provider for more information.


Updated: September 21, 2026