Town Of Northborough: COVID-19 Updates On Vaccine, Face Covering Requirements And Business Standards

Press release from the Town of Northborough:

June 2, 2021 - 8:21am

COVID-19 Updates on Vaccine, Face Covering Requirements and Business Standards

Vaccination Appointments

The MetroWest-Westborough Regional Vaccination Site at the DoubleTree Hotel has both Pfizer and Moderna appointments available.

Walk-in appointments are also available at the Marlborough Hospital Vaccination Center at Marriot Courtyard on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8am - 2pm as well as Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am - 5pm. Click here for more information.

Local pharmacies also have available appointments. Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov for a complete list of vaccination sites in our area. 

Updates on Face Coverings and Businesses

Face coverings: The Commonwealth’s face covering order will be rescinded on May 29 and be replaced with the Department of Public Health’s new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. 

Baker-Polito Administration to Lift COVID Restrictions May 29: Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded. All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

Northborough Vaccination Data

According to the state’s data as of 5/25, Northborough ranks #1 in Worcester Country with a vaccination rate of 82% for first dose per capita. Statewide, Northborough ranks #2 for communities over 10,000 population in the first dose per capita rate. In the 12-15 age group, 53% of Northborough residents have received a first dose. Over 95% of 16-19 year old Northborough residents received their first dose as well! For more information and data on COVID-19 vaccinations in the state of Massachusetts, please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-covid-19-vaccination-data-and-updates#weekly-covid-19-municipality-vaccination-data-

Resources Related to Vaccines in Children & Teens

AAP Recommendations for COVID-19 Vaccination for Children ages 12 and Older and Co-administration with Routine Immunizations: The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement recommends the following: 1) COVID-19 vaccination for all children and adolescents 12 years of age and older who do not have contraindications, 2) any COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the FDA, recommended by the CDC, and appropriate by age and health status can be used, and 3) supports co-administration of COVID-19 vaccine with routine immunizations in order to catch children up on any missed vaccines. 

Under 12 Vaccine Approval Forecast

According to the New York Times, Pfizer plans to request Emergency Use Authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 2-11 in September. Additionally, Pfizer also plans to have clinical trial data on the vaccine for pregnant women by August. For those ages 16-25, Pfizer is planning to apply for full approval of the vaccine this month, which would put it on the market no longer just for emergency use. For more information, please visit:  https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/04/health/pfizer-vaccine-children-approval.html

Vaccine Safety

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and free. Massachusetts launched a website with information on vaccine safety. Visit "COVID-19 VACCINE SAFETY: TRUST THE FACTS" 

This press release was produced by the Town of Northborough. The views expressed here are the author’s own.