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. 

Each year, state and local health departments await flu and COVID-19 vaccine guidance and approval from the FDA and the CDC. The Cambridge Public Health Department 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 about the importance and safety of vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccines

The COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-25 is available and is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Many primary care physicians (including pediatricians’ offices) and local pharmacies offer COVID-19 vaccines. Check our How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 page to see more vaccine locations. Find locations on Vaccines.gov. COVID-19 vaccines are covered by most Massachusetts health insurance plans.

Flu Vaccines

Flu vaccines are recommended every year for residents aged 6 months and older. Most flu vaccines are “flu shots” given with a needle, but there is also a nasal spray flu vaccine. Find locations for flu vaccine on Vaccines.gov. Flu vaccines are covered by most Massachusetts health insurance plans. 

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 60 – 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: March 6, 2025