Get Vaccinated

Overview

It’s important to stay up-to-date on vaccines. If you skip vaccines, you leave yourself and others vulnerable to many diseases.

COVID-19 Vaccines (updated 9/18/2025)

On September 17, 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) issued its 2025 – 2026 COVID-19 vaccine 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 vaccine.

Adults

  • Adults aged 65 and older
  • Adults 19 to 64 years old who have a risk factor for severe disease (e.g., chronic conditions, immunocompromised status)
  • Healthy adults aged 19 – 64 may also receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Special Populations

  • People who are at higher risk of exposure (e.g., health care workers, residents or staff of congregate care settings)
  • People who live with or care for individuals at high risk of severe disease
  • People who are pregnant (at any point during pregnancy, contemplating pregnancy, or lactating) 

The MDPH 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations align with those of the Northeast Public Health Collaborative and leading physician professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).  

COVID-19 vaccines are available at local pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Osco, and Inman Pharmacy as well as many primary care offices. The Cambridge Public Health Department will be hosting public clinics for flu and COVID-19 vaccines in October.

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 Influenza vaccine schedule for children on the CDC’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 according to the CDC. 

Flu vaccines are covered by most Massachusetts health insurance plans. Most primary care offices and pharmacies offer flu vaccination. CPHD will be offering flu vaccines at its fall community vaccine clinics. FluMist is also available to order to your home this year.

Mpox Vaccines

Find locations offering the mpox vaccine in Massachusetts by visiting the state’s mpox vaccine information webpage. Also view the CDC’s Mpox Vaccination page.

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. 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 on the CDC’s website. Individuals recommended for an RSV immunization should talk to their healthcare provider about receiving it.

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.

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


Updated: September 18, 2025