Crucial COVID-19 Vaccines, Boosters Offered at Upcoming Clinics: Jan. 14-21

With New Bedford seeing nearly triple the amount of COVID-19 cases as this time last year, City health officials are reminding the public that it’s never too late to start your vaccinations and that boosters are crucial for those who completed their vaccinations at least five months ago.

While cases are surging due to the highly contagious omicron variant, death rates are not: case fatality rates in New Bedford have fallen by more than half from a year ago, with the highest fatality rates among unvaccinated residents. About 63 percent of all COVID-19 deaths in the city in December 2021 were among unvaccinated residents, and 31 percent were among those who completed their vaccinations five months ago or more, according to Health Department data.

Free, walk-up COVID-19 clinics in New Bedford offer CDC-approved booster shots, in addition to first- and second-dose vaccines and, at most locations, pediatric vaccines and boosters for teens 12-17. Please bring your vaccination card when getting a booster.

Visit vaxnb.com for updated schedules of local COVID-19 vaccination and testing locations. Upcoming vaccine locations in New Bedford include:

Friday, Jan. 14:

  • PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, boosters, w/ pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old & boosters for teens 12-17

Saturday, Jan. 15:

  • Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, boosters, vaccines for children 5 – 11, boosters for teens 12-17
  • St. Gabriel Parish (343 Tarkiln Hill Road) – 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Pfizer vaccines, including pediatric and booster doses, and Moderna vaccines

Sunday, Jan. 16:

  • Keith Middle School (225 Hathaway Blvd.) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, boosters, pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11, boosters for teens 12-17

Monday, Jan. 17:

  • Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY

Wednesday, Jan. 19:

  • Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, boosters, vaccines for children 5 – 11, boosters for teens 12-17

Thursday, Jan. 20:

  • Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School (286 S. 2nd St.) – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, boosters, vaccines for children 5 – 11, boosters for teens 12-17

Friday, Jan. 21:

  • PAACA (360 Coggeshall St.) – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J, boosters, w/ pediatric vaccines for children 5 – 11 years old & boosters for teens 12-17

Reminder on the importance of vaccinations, especially during winter months: Vaccination levels in the region remain low, and daily case rates remain high. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is not only about protecting yourself – it’s also about protecting your family, friends, and community. Vaccination is critically important during the winter months, when indoor gatherings can lead to super-spreader events, clusters, hospitalizations, and severe illness among people who are unvaccinated.

Boosters critical after vaccinations:

As of Jan. 6, more than 54 percent of New Bedford residents were fully vaccinated, but only about 15 percent of residents had received a booster shot. Boosters are critically important for eligible people – those who completed their vaccinations two months ago, for Johnson & Johnson; five months ago, for Pfizer; and six months ago, for Moderna – as immunity from vaccines can wane. Booster shots can reduce risks of hospitalization and severe illness, and are particularly important given the emerging omicron variant, which may be more likely to evade immune responses.

Pfizer boosters now approved for youth 12 years and older

The CDC, FDA, and Massachusetts public health officials all have given approval for the use of Pfizer boosters by vaccinated, eligible youth 12 years and older. Pfizer boosters for teens 12-17 years old are offered at nearly all local clinics listed above.