Health Department Recommends COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Everyone 6 Months and Older

As we head into fall, the Cambridge Public Health Department urges residents to make a plan for getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu this season. Both vaccines are recommended for everyone over 6 months of age.

The ideal time for most people to receive these vaccines is September or October, the beginning of respiratory illness season. 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 severe COVID-19 and flu this fall and winter.

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 each year. September and October are the best times for most people to get vaccinated. Most people need only one dose of the flu vaccine each season. Children 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. Update on September 10: Appointments are available now at local CVS pharmacies, Walgreens pharmacies, Osco Pharmacies (located at Star Markets), and Inman Pharmacy. 

The Cambridge Public Health Department will be hosting several public vaccine clinics in community locations in October; more details will be posted shortly: