The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced new COVID-19 vaccine guidance on Wednesday, making the shots available to residents of all ages who want them.
The updated guidance recommends vaccination for all children ages 6 to 23 months, all adults, pregnant and lactating individuals, and people at higher risk of severe disease or exposure. Healthy children and adults may be vaccinated, according to the state.
Here is the detailed new guidance:
- Children 6–23 months: Vaccination is recommended for all children in this age group.
- Children and adolescents 2–18 years: Recommended for those at higher risk of severe COVID-19, those in congregate settings, unvaccinated individuals, or those living with high-risk household members. Healthy children may also be vaccinated.
- Adults 19–64 years: Recommended for all adults, especially those with chronic conditions or higher exposure risk. Healthy adults may also choose vaccination.
- Adults 65 and older: Recommended for all adults.
- Pregnant or lactating individuals: Vaccination is recommended at any stage of pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Immunocompromised individuals: Advised to consult their health care provider about additional doses.
“Populations at higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes benefit most from vaccination,” according to the updated vaccine recommendations.
High-risk conditions include chronic pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, metabolic disorders (including diabetes and obesity), hematologic disease, neurologic conditions, immunosuppressive conditions, rheumatologic disease, and other underlying medical conditions.
The guidance stems from recommendations from the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a regional group of state public health agencies that share information on public health issues, including vaccination. It’s also based on reviews from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Massachusetts issued its guidance ahead of a scheduled federal review. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is set to meet Thursday and Friday to review data on COVID-19 and some childhood vaccines and vote on national recommendations, which will later be finalized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Four states in the West Coast Health Alliance – California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii – also issued unified recommendations similar to Massachusetts on Wednesday.
“We urge ACIP to adopt recommendations that align with the evidence-based approach we are taking,” Governor Maura Healey stated in a press release. “This is a defining moment when public health must step forward and stand firmly with the communities we serve. No matter what happens, we will continue to take every step we can to follow science and protect health care access in Massachusetts.”
Earlier this month, Massachusetts became the first state in the country to require insurers to cover the cost of COVID shots and other inoculations recommended by state health officials.
To support access, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein signed a standing order allowing pharmacists to vaccinate eligible individuals. The state’s Division of Insurance and DPH also issued a bulletin requiring insurers to cover recommended vaccines.
State leaders say they are collaborating with other Northeast states to coordinate public health measures.
Sarah Rahal can be reached at sarah.rahal@globe.com. Follow her on X @SarahRahal_ or Instagram @sarah.rahal.
