Image from the Senior Center vaccination site, taken by Sydney Baker
The state of Massachusetts has begun moving forward in the process of vaccinating the public against COVID-19. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are given in two separate doses administered three weeks apart. A third, newly released vaccine from Johnson & Johnson only requires one vaccine to protect the host. All of the vaccines can help prevent people from getting COVID-19. Even if someone vaccinated still does become infected, their case will likely be less severe because their body will recognize the virus and fight it off more easily than if they were unvaccinated.
Because it is important to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19 first and foremost, the Massachusetts government has designated different phases for citizens to receive the first dose of the vaccine based on their age and employment. As of March 3rd, 2021, the following people may receive a COVID-19 vaccine:
People 65 and older
Low income and affordable senior housing residents and staff
First responders
Healthcare workers
Congregate care setting residents (residents of homeless shelters, veterans’ shelters, etc.)
People with 2+ medical conditions that put them at risk of a severe COVID-19 reaction
Long-term care setting residents
Any of the aforementioned individuals who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can now receive the vaccine free of charge at several different locations. After March 11th, 2021, educators, childcare workers, and school staff may receive the vaccine.
In Needham, individuals eligible for vaccination can make an appointment at the Senior Center. On March 9th, 2021, Sally Baker received her vaccine. Meanwhile, an interview occurred with Tiffany Zike, Needham’s Assistant Director of Public Health. Upon being asked what the biggest challenge with getting people vaccinated was, Tiffany Zike responded, “A big issue with getting people vaccinated has been supply. We just don’t have enough supply. It’s not necessarily the state’s fault, because they aren’t getting enough vaccines.” Tiffany Zike then went on to say that “The only COVID vaccine approved for anybody under the age of 18 is Pfizer, at 17 years or older. Massachusetts has only opened that phase for people living in congregate care living, so technically no one under 17 can be given the vaccine. There are studies being done on the Moderna vaccine to see how it will work with children and adolescents. Getting anyone under the age of 17 vaccinated isn’t really a possibility at the moment.”
Because people under the age of 17 will not be able to receive the vaccine anytime soon, it is imperative that Needham High School students remain safe and healthy by wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Tests are currently being done on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to gauge how they will affect children and young adults, but people from those groups should not expect their immunizations any time soon. Tiffany Zike stated that there are issues with supplying the vaccine, both due to the time needed to make the vaccine and the lack of material necessary to create it. Although young people waiting for their vaccines will not receive them for quite some time, they can rest assured that people are working to make it possible for individuals under 17 to get vaccinated.