October 07, 2024

Updated: Cambridge Public Health Department Recommends COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines, Offers Appointments at Community Vaccine Clinics

A white elderly man receiving both flu and COVID vaccines from our nurses at a CPHD clinic in fall 2023. Everyone in the photo is wearing a mask.
Photo from last year’s vaccine clinic. Photo by David Oziel.

It’s vaccine season! The Cambridge Public Health Department urges residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu to protect against serious illness. Both vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older.

It is safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. The updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines and the updated 2024-25 flu vaccines will help protect against the strains of these viruses that are currently circulating in our community.

COVID-19: Individuals should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine whether or not they have ever previously been vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available this year from Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer. All three vaccines are safe and effective. People who recently had COVID-19 infection may delay getting a COVID-19 vaccine for 3 months.

Flu: It is recommended that people get vaccinated against flu every year. Most people need only one dose of the flu vaccine each season. Children ages 8 and younger who are getting their first flu vaccine will need two doses. They should get their first dose of vaccine as soon as possible; the second dose should be given at least four weeks after the first.

Both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines are safe and recommended for individuals who are pregnant.

There are several options for getting COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Vaccines are available at many local pharmacies and primary care offices. Appointments are available at local CVS pharmacies, Walgreens pharmacies, Osco Pharmacies (located at Star Markets), and Inman Pharmacy. 

Cambridge Public Health Department Clinics

The Cambridge Public Health Department will be hosting several public vaccine clinics in community locations this month. Registration is strongly encouraged.

Update: At the health department vaccine clinics, both flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available for everyone 6 months and older. Parents and caregivers can now add COVID-19 vaccines appointments for children 6 months to 11 years.

2024 CPHD Clinic Schedule

October 16, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cambridge Senior Center
806 Mass. Ave

October 17, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
King Open School
850 Cambridge Street

October 18, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cambridge Community Center
5 Callender Street

October 23, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Reservoir Church
170 Rindge Avenue

VaxAbilities will be available at this clinic to provide extra support for people with special needs.

October 24, 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Pisani Center
131 Washington Street

Residents are encouraged to register for an appointment to help reduce waiting times. Please bring your insurance card with you if you have one.  

Clinical staff from the health department will be available at each vaccine clinic to answer questions.

Register for an appointment.