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 9/11/2025)

This year, there have been some conflicting recommendations regarding who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While the FDA has sought to limit who is eligible, other medical organizations have given broader recommendations. 

On September 4, 2025, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced measures to ensure that vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine, remain available to Massachusetts residents. Anyone aged 6 months and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Importantly, insurance carriers in Massachusetts will continue to cover vaccines recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and not rely solely on CDC recommendations.

The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) is monitoring vaccine developments as we plan for the 2025-26 respiratory season. CPHD is committed to continuing to provide clear and accurate information to the public with up-to-date recommendations and about the importance and safety of vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for:

  • Anyone 6 months and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Massachusetts residents aged 5 and up can get COVID-19 vaccines at local pharmacies.
  • Children under 5 can receive the vaccine through their pediatrician or primary care office.

The FDA recommends COVID-19 vaccines for:

  • Individuals aged 65 and older
  • Individuals 6 months and older who are at high risk for serious illness due to underlying qualifying conditions, including pregnancy and/or recent pregnancy. See the CDC website for qualifying conditions as of February 2025, which cover a large segment of the population.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID-19 vaccines for:

  • ALL children aged 6 months – 23 months
  • Children/teens who are:
    • At high risk of severe COVID-19 disease
    • Have never been vaccinated before
    • Live in congregate settings
    • Live with people who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19
    • Children 2 through 18 years of age who are not included in the risk groups listed above but whose parent or guardian desires their protection from COVID-19 should be offered a COVID-19 vaccine

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends COVID-19 vaccines for:

  • Pregnant individuals at any point during pregnancy. This includes when planning to become pregnant, in the postpartum period, or while lactating.

Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are working to make COVID-19 vaccine appointments available in Massachusetts as soon as possible. 

Not all doctors offices have the 2025-2026 formulation in stock as of September 2025.  We recommend calling your primary care provider to confirm availability. 

CPHD staff will update this page as more information becomes available.

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 11, 2025